Epistaxis
Emergency and immediate referrals
Referral to Emergency Department
If any of the following are present or suspected, please refer the patient to the emergency department (via ambulance if necessary) or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region:
- Severe or persistent epistaxis no ceasing despite simple or conservative measures
- Acute nasal fracture with septal haematoma
Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange an immediate ENT assessment (seen within 7 days) for:
To contact relevant service, please see HealthPathways: Acute ENT Assessment
| Presenting issues |
- Epistaxis where treatment such as emollients and chemical cautery has been attempted and failed (or not available)
|
| Mandatory referral information (referral will be returned if this information is not included) |
|
History
- Details of previous treatment and outcome including:
- Course of systemic and topical medications prescribed
- Current medication list including any NSAIDS, aspirin or warfarin and anti-hypertensive medication
If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral
Referrer to state reason if not able to include mandatory information in referral (e.g. patient unable to access test due to geographical location or financial cost)
|
| Highly desirable referral information |
- Coagulopathy/platelet disorder screening results (where available)
|
Indicative triage category
| Indicative triage category |
Category 1
Appointment within 30 days |
- Epistaxis with no obvious cause
- Associated change in sense of smell
- Epiphora
- Diplopia
- Unilateral
- Facial pain
- Altered sensation in face
|
Category 2
Appointment within 90 days |
|
Category 3
Appointment within 365 days |
- Recurrent epistaxis on a background of nasal trauma
|
Last reviewed: 24-05-2023
More information
Email: DOHSpecialistRAC@health.wa.gov.au