Anterior epistaxis

• Bleeding from the nostrils
  • Failure of anterior packing to control bleeding is highly suggestive of posterior epistaxis.
• ∼ 90% of cases, mostly kids
• Kiesselbach plexus

Posterior epistaxis

• Bleeding through the posterior nasal aperture
  • Bleeding down the throat (no external signs of bleeding)
  • Hemoptysis, hematemesis, and/or melena may occur due to swallowing of large amounts of blood.
• ∼ 10% of cases
• May be life-threatening