What is a nose injury?
A nose injury may be a:
- nosebleed
- bruised nose (contusion)
- broken nose (fracture)
- damaged nasal septum (the nasal septum is the tissue
that separates the nasal passages).
How does it occur?
Nose injuries are almost always caused by a direct hit to
the nose.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may include:
- pain
- bleeding
- swelling
- sometimes deformity or crookedness
- difficulty breathing through the nose
- grating or grinding noise with movement of broken nose
bones.
How is it diagnosed?
Your health care provider will examine your nose. He or she
will look for swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and movement
of bones. Your provider will look in your nostrils to see
if the septum is swollen or bent to the side (deviated).
You may have:
- an x-ray to see if the nose is broken
- a CT scan to look at the nasal septum and the sinuses.
How is it treated?
If your nose is bleeding:
- Pinch your nostrils firmly together just below the nasal
bones for 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
- It may help to put ice on your nose.
- Sit up and lean forward.
- Breathe through your mouth.
If the bleeding doesn't stop with pressure, your health care
provider may need to put gauze packing in your nose to stop
the bleeding.
After the nosebleed stops, try not to blow your nose because
the bleeding may start again. Avoid taking aspirin or
other anti-inflammatory medicines because they may make
bleeding worse. Take acetaminophen instead.
Many broken noses heal normally with no special treatment.
If you have broken your nose and it is crooked:
- Your health care provider may straighten it right after
the injury.
- You may be sent to a specialist to have it straightened.
- You may need surgery.
If the septum has become deviated and you have trouble
breathing, you may need to have surgery in the future.
When can I return to my sport or activity?
- Do not start any activities until the nosebleed has
completely stopped.
- If you have broken your nose and you play a contact
sport, wear a special nose and face shield for 4 to 6
weeks after the injury. Shields may be purchased at a
sporting goods store or may be custom-made for you.
How can I prevent a nose injury?
Nose injuries are usually caused by an accident that
cannot be prevented. If you play a sport for which
preventive face gear is available, such as hockey or
lacrosse, make sure you wear the shield.
Written by Pierre Rouzier, M.D.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.