History

Whilst first aid measures are taking place, a history should be taken which should include the following:

• Side, duration and approximation of amount of bleeding (see below)
• History of trauma
• Previous episodes and treatment
• Recent upper respiratory tract infection or rhinitis
• The presence of bleeding or bruising elsewhere on the body
• Other significant co-morbidities, particularly those which may affect coagulation (e.g. liver disease)
• Medication, concentrating on drugs known to affect coagulation
• Use of drugs of abuse, in particular cocaine
• Alcohol history
• In children, the child and parent should be asked about the possibility of a foreign body in the nose

Estimation of the severity of blood loss, either from the patients account and/or blood-stained clothing and towels, is notoriously unreliable.