[Causes of epistaxis in relation to season and weather status]

A retrospective study of the epidemiology and aetiology of epistaxis and its relation to the weather is presented. A total of 230 patients presenting in 1986 were studied. Age above 60, hypertension and upper airway infection were shown to be promoting factors, but serious pathology was unusual. Epistaxis most often occurs between September and March, and during these months we found periods of several days with more than 4 patients in 2 days. At least 2 days before and during those periods there were impressive changes of atmospheric pressure and humidity, whereas temperature and wind speed had less influence.