Broken Nose

Overview

A broken nose, also called a nasal fracture, is a break or crack in a bone in your nose often the bone over the bridge of your nose. It can be caused by contact sports, physical fights, falls, or motor vehicle accidents that result in injuries to the face. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty breathing, bleeding, a crooked or misshapen nose, and discharge of mucus from your nose. If you experience a nose injury accompanied by severe headache, neck pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, bleeding you can't stop, or a noticeable change in the shape of your nose, seek emergency medical attention.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

Symptoms of a broken nose may include pain or tenderness when touching the nose, swelling of the nose and surrounding areas, bleeding from the nose, bruising around the nose or eyes, a crooked or misshapen nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, discharge of mucus from the nose, and feeling that one or both nasal passages are blocked. If you experience a nose injury accompanied by severe headache, neck pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing, bleeding that won't stop, a noticeable change in the shape of your nose, or clear, watery fluid draining from your nose, seek emergency medical attention.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing a broken nose include participating in activities that increase the risk of facial injuries, such as playing contact sports without proper protective gear, engaging in physical fights, riding a bicycle, lifting weights without a spotter, and riding in a motor vehicle without a seat belt.

Development

A broken nose, also known as a nasal fracture, can develop due to a variety of causes. Common causes include:

1. Contact sports: Injuries from contact sports, such as football or hockey, can result in a broken nose.
2. Physical fights: Fistfights can lead to a broken nose due to the forceful impact of blows to the face.
3. Motor vehicle accidents: Accidents involving cars, bicycles, or other vehicles can result in facial injuries, including a broken nose.
4. Falls: Falling from a height, tripping, or stumbling can cause a broken nose, especially if the fall is onto the face.
5. Walking into a fixed object: Walking into a door, wall, or other stationary object can also cause a broken nose.
6. Rough play: High-energy, rough play, such as wrestling, can sometimes result in a broken nose. Risk factors for a broken nose include engaging in activities that increase the risk of facial injuries, such as playing contact sports without proper protection, engaging in physical fights, riding a bicycle without a helmet, or riding in a motor vehicle without wearing a seatbelt.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if a broken nose is suspected when the symptoms are severe or when there is difficulty breathing, bleeding that cannot be stopped, a noticeable change in the shape of the nose, or clear, watery fluid draining from the nose. These symptoms may indicate a more serious complication and require prompt medical attention.

Diagnosis

A broken nose can be diagnosed through a physical examination conducted by a healthcare provider. During the examination, the provider may press gently on the outside of the nose and its surrounding areas, and check the inside of the nasal passage for any signs of obstruction or broken bones. A numbing medication may be used to make the nose more comfortable during the examination. In some cases, X-rays or a CT scan may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or to check for other injuries.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of a broken nose may include:

1. Deviated septum: A nose fracture may cause a deviated septum, where the thin wall dividing the two sides of your nose (nasal septum) is displaced, narrowing your nasal passage.
2. Septal hematoma: Pools of clotted blood may form in a broken nose, creating a septal hematoma. This condition can block one or both nostrils, requiring prompt surgical drainage to prevent cartilage damage.
3. Infection: If the broken nose is not properly cleaned and treated, there is a risk of developing an infection.
4. Sinus complications: A broken nose can lead to sinus complications, such as sinusitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the sinuses.
5. Cosmetic concerns: A broken nose may result in a crooked or misshapen appearance, which can cause emotional distress for some individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a broken nose, as complications may arise if left untreated.

Prevention

Can a broken nose be prevented?

Treatment

Treatment for a broken nose typically involves manual realignment or surgery, depending on the severity of the break. If you have a minor fracture without significant displacement, you may manage your symptoms with ice, pain medication, and self-care measures. However, if the break is severe, multiple, or left untreated for over two weeks, surgery may be necessary. Always consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment recommendations based on your specific situation. Remember to seek immediate medical attention if you're experiencing difficulty breathing, recurring nosebleeds, a fever, or severe pain.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for a broken nose, you can follow these steps:

1. Make a list of your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment.
2. Gather information about your medical history, including any previous nasal injuries, surgeries, or conditions that may be relevant to your current situation.
3. Bring a list of your current medications, vitamins, and supplements, including their dosages.
4. Consider taking photographs of your nose before the injury, for comparison during the appointment.
5. Prepare a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, such as the need for tests like X-rays, the expected duration of swelling and bruising, if your nose will look the same, and if surgery is required. By gathering this information and preparing your questions ahead of time, you can ensure that you make the most of your appointment and receive the best possible care for your broken nose.