Falls, contact sports, recreation activities, and accidents are all causes of nose injuries. Most nose injuries include pain, swelling, and bruising. A nasal fracture occurs when there is a break or crack in the nasal bones. Symptoms of a nasal fracture include:
- Pain when touched
- Swelling
- Bleeding from the nose
- Bruising
- Nasal obstruction
- Change in the appearance of the nose
If you have unstoppable bleeding, difficulty breathing, a change in the shape of the nose, a puncture of the skin over the nose, or a collapse of the bridge of the nose, you should seek medical attention. A nasal fracture is confirmed with a physical examination. Sometimes an imaging study is necessary, but most times it is unnecessary. The treatment for a nasal fracture is based on the severity of the fracture. A minor fracture may not require medical attention at all where as a severe fracture could require surgery.
If you have injured your nose, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.