Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Epistaxis historical perspective
Introduction
Overview
Overview
In past centuries, it was believed that epistaxis was caused by internal diseases. As the medical knowledge advanced, it was understood that that nasal compression can stop bleeding. Hippocrates is believed to be the first to use a instrument to stop nasal bleeding. The term epistaxis was originally derived from the Greek word epistazein (epi – above, over; stazein – to drip).
Historical Perspective
Historical Perspective
- The term epistaxis was originally derived from the Greek word epistazein (epi – above, over; stazein – to drip). [1]
- In past centuries, it was thought that epistaxis was due to internal diseases.
- In the late of 19th century, J. L. Little and W. Kiesselbach found that there is a plexus of vessels in the anterior part of nose which is source of most nasal bleedings.[1]
- It was discovered empirically that nasal compression can stop bleeding. There were some beliefs that nasal bleeding could also be stopped by transfering blood to other parts of the body. Tourniquets were used for this purpose.[1]
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Amir Behzad Bagheri, M.D.