Overview Of Nose Fracture
A nose fracture is a break in the bone or cartilage over the bridge, or in the sidewall or septum (structure that divides the nostrils) of the nose.
Considerations
A fractured nose is the most common fracture of the face. It most often occurs after an injury and often occurs with other fractures of the face.
Nose injuries and neck injuries are often seen together. A blow that is forceful enough to injure the nose may be hard enough to injure the neck.
Serious nose injuries cause problems that need a health care provider’s attention right away. For example, damage to the cartilage can cause a collection of blood to form inside the nose. If this blood is not drained right away, it can cause an abscess or a permanent deformity that blocks the nose. It may lead to tissue death and cause the nose to collapse.
For minor nose injuries or fractures, the provider may want to see the person within the first week after the injury to see if the nose has moved out of its normal shape.
Sometimes, surgery may be needed to correct a nose or septum that has been bent out of shape by an injury.
Symptoms Of Nose Fracture
Symptoms may include:
- Blood coming from the nose
- Bruising around the eyes
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Misshapen appearance (may not be obvious until the swelling goes down)
- Pain
- Swelling
- The bruised appearance most often disappears after 2 weeks.
Treatment Of Nose Fracture
If a nose facture happens:
- Try to stay calm.
- Breathe through your mouth and lean forward in a sitting position to keep blood from going down the back of your throat.
- Squeeze the nostrils closed and hold pressure to stop the bleeding.
- Apply cold compresses to your nose to reduce swelling. If possible, hold the compress so that there isn’t too much pressure on the nose fracture.
- To help relieve pain, try acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Prevention
Prevent nose fractures by wearing protective headgear while playing contact sports, or riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or rollerblades.
Use seat belts and appropriate car seats when driving.
