NOSE FRACTURE

General Information

DEFINITION--Fracture or damage to the bones and cartilage of the nose. This often happens when other facial bones are also fractured.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Nose.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Older children (over age 8) and adults. Young children's noses have only cartilage.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Pain in the nose.
• Nosebleed.
• Swollen, discolored nose.
• Inability to breathe through the nose.
• Crooked or misshapen nose (sometimes).
• Black eyes.

CAUSES--Injury to the nose.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Previous nose injury.

HOW TO PREVENT--Protect your nose from injury, whenever possible. Wear protective headgear for contact sports or when riding motorcycles or bicycles. Wear auto seat belts.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• X-ray of the nose.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis of minor injuries.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Emergency-room treatment for heavy bleeding.
• Surgery, if the nose is crooked or breathing is impaired.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Infection of the nose and sinuses.
• Shock from loss of blood (rare).
• Permanent breathing difficulty.
• Permanent change in appearance.
• Deviated nasal septum.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Minor fractures with no deformity usually heal in 4-6 weeks. Major fractures can be repaired with surgery. If surgery is necessary, it should be done within 2 weeks or not until 6 months after injury.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Apply ice packs to the nose immediately after injury to minimize swelling.
• If the nosebleed is heavy or cannot be stopped, obtain emergency medical treatment.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen (aspirin and ibuprofen interfere with blood clotting).
• Your doctor may prescribe: Stronger pain relievers, if needed. Antibiotics, if infection develops.

ACTIVITY--Rest until bleeding stops.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a fractured nose, especially bleeding that is heavy or cannot be stopped.
• You have had a fractured nose and think surgery is needed.