A broken nose (otherwise known as a nasal fracture) often occurs when the bone over the nasal bridge is cracked or broken. Some usual causes of a broken nose are falls, contact sports, physical fights with blows to the face, and motor vehicle accidents with facial trauma. Realignment or surgery may be necessary to remedy a broken nose, but often no medical treatment beyond home care is required.
Symptoms of a Broken Nose
If your nose has been hit, you may wonder if it is broken. Some symptoms of a broken nose are pain or tenderness in the affected area, swelling in the nose and surrounding areas, nose bleeding, crookedness in the nose, bruising around the nose and/or eyes, nasal mucus discharge, and difficulty breathing.
Home Treatment
As soon as you think your nose may have been broken, quickly lean forward and breathe through your mouth in order to stop as much blood as possible from draining into your throat. Also apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minute intervals within the first day or two after the break in order to reduce swelling. Keeping your head elevated (especially when you lie down to sleep) can also help reduce swelling. Additionally, you may wish to take pain relievers such as Advil or Tylenol, but make sure you do not take more than is recommended on the bottle.
Medical Intervention
If your nose has been injured, you may not need to seek any medical assistance. However, you should get checked to be safe if you experience any of the following symptoms: severe headache, vomiting, neck pain, loss of consciousness (related to head or neck injury), unstoppable bleeding, crooked or twisted appearance in the nose, breathing trouble, visible nasal bones and clear fluid draining out of the nose.
Closed Reduction
Occasionally, a nose break can displace the nasal bones and cartilage. In this situation, a doctor may opt to perform what is known as a closed reduction. This procedure is non-surgical and it should be performed within two weeks of the fracture, says the Mayo Clinic. During the procedure, the will likely offer a variety of medications in order to keep you pain-free. The doctor then opens the nostrils and uses instruments to realign bones and cartilage. The doctor may also pack the nostrils with medicated gauze or use splints.
Surgery
Severe nose breaks or breaks that were not treated within two weeks of treatment may require surgery in order to realign bones and cartilage and reshape the nose. Reconstructive surgery may be needed to fix a damaged nasal septum, which could cause permanent breathing difficulties if left untreated. Some common side effects of nasal surgery are swelling and bruising.
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