Effect of Average Relative Humidity on Epistaxis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Otolaryngology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Epistaxis (nosebleeds) is a common clinical symptom.
• The influence of environmental factors, particularly humidity, on epistaxis occurrence is debated.
• Previous research presents conflicting findings regarding the relationship between dry environments and epistaxis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the quantitative relationship between daily average relative humidity and the incidence of epistaxis.
• To clarify the controversial role of environmental humidity in epistaxis occurrence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 4184 epistaxis cases from two hospitals (March 2011 - February 2021).
• Statistical examination of daily average relative humidity data.
• Application of a generalized linear mixed model to assess humidity's impact on daily epistaxis counts.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant association was identified between daily average relative humidity and the number of daily epistaxis cases (p < 0.001).
• Each 1% increase in average relative humidity correlated with a 1.1% decrease in daily epistaxis occurrences.
• A clear negative correlation was observed between humidity levels and epistaxis frequency.

Conclusions:

• Increased daily average relative humidity is associated with a reduced incidence of epistaxis.
• Environmental humidity plays a significant role in the occurrence of nosebleeds.
• Findings suggest that maintaining adequate humidity may help mitigate epistaxis events.