Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2011 Sep;4(3):159-161.

Recurrent and Massive Life Threatening Epistaxis due to Nasal Heroin Usage

• Yaman H
• Aydin Y
• Yilmaz S
• Onder E
• Guclum E
• Ozturk O

Abstract

Epistaxis, active bleeding from the nose, is a common ear nose and throat emergency, and can be severe or even fatal. We report a severe life threatening recurrent massive nasal bleeding caused by intranasal heroin use that has not hitherto been reported in the English literature. A 24-year-old male who took heroin several times nasally presented with massive nasal bleeding. A blood transfusion and an operation to halt nasal bleeding were required. The patient did not experience a bleeding attack 2 months following cessation of nasal heroin use.

Keyword

Nasal heroin; Life threatening; Recurrent epistaxis

MeSH Terms

Blood Transfusion
Ear
Emergencies
Epistaxis
Hemorrhage
Heroin
Humans
Male
Nose
Pharynx
Young Adult
Heroin

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