In the elderly, hypoxia and carbon dioxide retention can result. If epistaxis persists despite treatment, endoscopic nasal examination and cauterization of the bleeding vessel, transantral ligation of the sphenopalatine artery in the pterygomaxillary space, or angiography with embolization of the internal maxillary and sphenopalatine arteries may be performed. After treatment, a full set of sinus x-rays should be obtained to determine if sinusitis has developed or if the cause of the bleeding was a tumor. Nasal Fractures Nasal fractures are relatively common among the elderly, who are predisposed to them because of age-related thinning of facial bones. Most fractures result from trauma due to a fall.
Fractures produce obvious distortion of the bony nasal framework, accompanied by epistaxis.
During this period, antibiotics are given to prevent sinusitis. The sense of smell and fine taste starts to diminish gradually when persons are in their 50s, because of neural degeneration. However, years of cigarette smoking may accelerate the process. Loss of fine taste does not appear to be related to loss of lingual taste or deficits in cognition. Abrupt changes in olfactory function can result from influenza or viral infections that affect the olfactory receptors in the superior region of the nose.