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.

A nasal fracture is a break in the bone over the ridge of the nose. It usually results from a blunt injury and is one of the most common facial fracture. Symptoms of a broken nose include pain, blood coming from the nose, bruising around the eyes, misshapen appearance, swelling, and difficulty breathing through the nose. Serious nose injuries can cause problems that require immediate attention. However, for minor nose injuries, the doctor may prefer to see the victim after the swelling subsides to evaluate the extent of injury.

Considerations

A fractured nose is the most common fracture of the face. It usually occurs after an injury and often occurs with other fractures of the face.

Sometimes a blunt injury can cause the wall dividing the nostrils (septum) to separate.

Nose injuries and neck injuries are often seen together because 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, the health care provider may want to see the patient within the first week after the injury to see if the nose has moved out of its normal shape.

Occasionally, surgery may be needed to correct a nose or septum that has been bent out of shape by an injury.

Symptoms

• 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 usually disappears after 2 weeks.

First Aid

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.

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.

To help relieve pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended.

DO NOT

Do NOT try to straighten a broken nose.

Do NOT move the person if there is reason to suspect a head or neck injury.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Get medical help right away if:

• Bleeding will not stop
• Clear fluid keeps draining from the nose
• You suspect a blood clot in the septum
• You suspect a neck or head injury
• The nose looks deformed or out of its usual shape
• The person is having difficulty breathing

Prevention

Wear protective headgear while playing contact sports, riding bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or rollerblades.Use seat belts and appropriate car seats when driving.

Alternative Names

Fracture of the nose; Broken nose; Nasal fracture