Clinical Diagnosis · Respiratory System · Medium
Epistaxis
Meaning: Bleeding from the nose.
In practice: A common nasal sign; swallowed blood afterwards can be vomited and mistaken for haematemesis.
Word parts
- epi- means on or above
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: A gait in which steps become progressively shorter and faster as if chasing the centre of gravity.
Answer: Festination
Which word means: Waking at night to pass urine.
Answer: Nocturia
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