Epistaxis is very common in children and usually originates from small anastomotic vessels in the anterior septum as a consequence of local trauma. In most cases bleeding is self-limiting and can be easily managed with direct compression of the nasal ala. Recurrent episodes of epistaxis might be difficult to manage definitively and often raise concern about possible bleeding disorders. The paper discusses the initial assessment and management of epistaxis in children, including when to suspect a systemic cause and when to refer to the ear, nose and throat specialist.
