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What Causes Nose Bleeds In An Elderly Person?

Posted on Wed, 7 Jun 2017

Question: The 84 year old father of a friend had a nose bleed which did not stop. He was taken to the hospital, where he was placed in the icu. The diagnosis is that he had a ruptured blood vessel which needed a procedure, but that procedure needed to wait for 24to 48 hours, while remaining in intensive care. No further information was given to the family. My concern is that this is happening in a small Caribbean island.
Can this be a serious situation?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Epistaxis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
Bleeding from nose in elderly patie ts is usually due to high blood pressure. The bleed is from a blood vessel in the posterior part of nose. A nasal packing is done for 48 to 72 hrs and observed. Usually the bleed stops but if it doesn't,tge vessel meeds to be ligated surgically.
So wait for sometime and keep a check on blood pressure.
Any further queries are always welcome.
Wish him a speedy recovery.
Thanks and regards

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy