Frequency and management of epistaxis in schools.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To investigate the frequency and management of epistaxis in schools.

STUDY DESIGN

A postal survey of schools.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven questionnaires were posted out to 41 secondary schools (students aged 11-18 years) and to 116 primary schools (students aged four to 11 years). One hundred and twelve completed questionnaires were returned, 32 from secondary schools and 80 from primary schools. Most schools stated that they encountered a nose bleed once per month. The commonest method of treating a nose bleed was to pinch the top of the nose (an ineffective method), although pinching the bottom of the nose was almost as common. Only a minority of primary and secondary schools (37.5 and 25 per cent, respectively) had a policy for dealing with nose bleeds. Despite many respondents reportedly using an ineffective method, only two stated that they did not feel confident in dealing with nose bleeds.

CONCLUSION

Nose bleeds in school students are common, and management frequently deviates from recommended guidelines.