Abstract
Epistaxis is the most common otolaryngologic emergency. The most common etiologies are idiopathic, traumatic and iatrogenic. The approach to treatment is to locate the bleeding, apply pressure to cause hemostasis and sometimes to treat the cause. This litterature study is based on anatomic atlases, otorhinolaryngologic textbooks and papers found in systematic searches. The aim was to identify relevant anatomy, causes and treatment options for different groups of health professionals. Special attention has been given to a revitalized treatment method: hot-water irrigation in epistaxis. Advices to prehospital treatment and general practice are summarized. Based on the available litterature no single spesific treatment method has been recommended.