ENT CONDITIONS
What are Nosebleeds?
Nosebleeds, known medically as epistaxis, are an extremely common occurrence that most of us will experience at some point. However, for some, persistent or heavy nosebleeds can be inconvenient, distressing, and sometimes even severe enough to merit emergency treatment.
Nosebleeds are often spontaneous but can also be caused by trauma to the nose, excessive nose picking, blood-thinning medications and, rarely, nasal tumours. They are slightly more common in men and tend to affect the elderly and young, with over half of children under 15 experiencing regular nosebleeds.
Frequently asked questions
What are the common causes of nosebleeds?
The nose has many tiny blood vessels that help warm and moisten the air as it passes through to your lungs. Nosebleeds occur when one of these delicate blood vessels breaks, usually after a minor injury or infection.
Other risk factors for persistent nosebleeds include high blood pressure and blood-thinning medication such as aspirin or warfarin.
How do we treat persistent nosebleeds?
Depending on the severity and frequency of bleeding, you may be prescribed nasal creams, or cauterisation may be performed in the clinic. If this does not resolve the problem, Mr Navaratnam will perform an endoscopic surgical procedure to close off one of the arteries inside that supplies most of the blood to the nose, known as endoscopic artery ligation.
ENT SPECIALIST
Mr Annakan Navaratnam
Annakan Navaratnam is a Consultant Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Surgeon whose private practice is based at Harrow and Welbeck Hospital in Central London and The Clementine Churchill Hospital in Harrow. In his NHS practice, he works at Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospital (UCLH) and is an honorary consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
He has a subspecialty interest in rhinology and facial plastic surgery, with particular expertise in septorhinoplasty and nose reshaping.
Annakan is excellently placed to manage general adult and paediatric ENT presentations and, in particular, is able to assess and treat complex problems related to the form and function of the nose. This includes endonasal (scarless) rhinoplasty, revision septorhinoplasty as well as advanced endoscopic sinus surgery.