Broken Nose (Nasal Fracture)Topic Overview
How do I get a broken nose? You can break your
nose during play, sports, accidents, fights, and falls. However, it may be hard
to tell if your nose is broken. Swelling can make your nose look crooked even
if it is not broken. When the swelling goes down after a few days, it is easier
to tell if your nose is really crooked and possibly broken. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of a broken nose
include: - Nose pain.
- Swelling of the
nose.
- A crooked or bent appearance.
- Bruising around the
nose or eyes.
- A runny nose or a nosebleed.
- A grating
sound or feeling when the nose is touched or rubbed.
- Blocked nasal
passages.
Possible complications of a broken nose include: - Infection of the nose, sinuses, or facial
bones.
- Permanent breathing difficulty.
- Persistent
drainage from one or both nostrils. This may be caused by cerebral spinal fluid
draining from the brain into the nose (CSF rhinorrhea) and can occur after a
head injury or after surgery on the nose or ears.
- Change in the
appearance of the nose or the tip of the nose.
- Crooked (deviated)
nasal septum. The nasal septum is the structure that divides the nose into two
parts. See an illustration of a
deviated nasal septum
 . - A hole in the nasal septum (septal
perforation) or causing the bridge of the nose to
collapse (saddle nose deformity).
- A large amount of blood in the
nasal septum (nasal septal hematoma).
- A change in or loss of sense
of smell.
How is a broken nose diagnosed? A broken nose is
diagnosed through a physical examination and medical history. An X-ray of the
nose is not usually needed or helpful if only a broken nose is suspected. If
other facial injuries or fractures are suspected, a
CT scan will be done. Your health professional may
wish to delay evaluation until the swelling has gone down. This may take
several days. How is it treated? Immediately after the fracture,
apply ice and keep your head elevated. You may need pain medicine, such as
acetaminophen (Tylenol or Panadol). Do not take
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or aspirin, for 48 hours after a nose injury.
Do not take aspirin if you are younger than 20 because
of the risk of
Reye's syndrome. Immediate treatment is
needed for some injuries that occur with a broken nose, such as: - A large amount of blood in the nasal septum (nasal septal
hematoma).
- A nosebleed that you cannot stop
(epistaxis).
- Clear drainage from one or both nostrils (CSF
rhinorrhea).
Treatment, if needed, usually is done within 7 to 14 days
of breaking your nose. Most broken noses do not require treatment other than
controlling pain and other symptoms. - Your doctor may treat a simple fracture by
straightening the bone or cartilage in your nose, if it is crooked. Splints or
nasal packing (packing the nose with gauze) also may be necessary.
- Surgery may be needed to treat a more complicated fracture. Your
doctor may need to move the bone or cartilage back into place. Splints or nasal
packing may be necessary. Antibiotics are usually given to prevent infection.
Your nose may be rechecked and the packing may be removed in 48 to 72
hours.
© 1995-2009, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
|
|
