Epistaxis most commonly originates from which site?

Epistaxis most commonly originates from which site?

• A. In women
• B. Kiesselbach's plexus
• C. Posterior septum
• D. In patients on anticoagulants

Answer: (B)

Epistaxis most often originates from Kiesselbach's plexus, the vascular convergence zone on the anterior inferior nasal septum. This area brings together branches from several arteries (including the anterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, and superior labial arteries), creating a thin, easily friable network just under the mucosa. Minor trauma, dryness, allergies, or irritation commonly affect this exposed region, leading to frequent anterior nasal bleeds, especially in children and young adults. In contrast, posterior epistaxis—sources in the posterior nasal cavity from branches like the sphenopalatine artery—tresents less often and typically causes more significant bleeding, usually in older patients or those with vascular disease. While anticoagulation can worsen bleeding, it does not change the fact that the most common origin is Kiesselbach's plexus.

Epistaxis most often originates from Kiesselbach's plexus, the vascular convergence zone on the anterior inferior nasal septum. This area brings together branches from several arteries (including the anterior ethmoidal, sphenopalatine, greater palatine, and superior labial arteries), creating a thin, easily friable network just under the mucosa. Minor trauma, dryness, allergies, or irritation commonly affect this exposed region, leading to frequent anterior nasal bleeds, especially in children and young adults. In contrast, posterior epistaxis—sources in the posterior nasal cavity from branches like the sphenopalatine artery—tresents less often and typically causes more significant bleeding, usually in older patients or those with vascular disease. While anticoagulation can worsen bleeding, it does not change the fact that the most common origin is Kiesselbach's plexus.