Epidemiology

Most people will experience epistaxis at some stage, and the lifetime incidence is estimated to be around 60%.[7][8][9] About 6% of people who have nosebleeds seek medical attention. It has been estimated that epistaxis accounts for 0.5% of all emergency department visits.[8][9] There is a bimodal age distribution with increased prevalence in children and older adults. There is no racial or sex predilection; with the exception of epistaxis secondary to trauma, which is slightly more common in men.

Nosebleeds occur more frequently in the drier, colder months, and in less humid environments. This is because dry air facilitates excoriation and cracking of the nasal mucosa, vessel trauma, and subsequent epistaxis.[1][2][3][4][10]

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