Falls. Sports and recreation activities. Accidents. These can all be causes of nose injuries. Most nose injuries involve bruising, swelling and pain, whether or not the nose is broken. Applying ice to reduce the swelling and taking an over-the-counter pain medication is usually all that is required to resolve a typical nose injury. However, it is important to seek medical attention if:
- You have a nosebleed that won't stop.
- You think your nose is broken.
- The skin on your nose is punctured.
- The bridge of your nose collapses (a result of a hole in your septum).
You should also seek medical attention if the injury results in difficulty breathing, changes the size or shape of your nose or causes ongoing drainage.
Treatment for simple nose fractures (the bone remains in place) is a combination of pain medications, nasal decongestants and in some cases, a nose splint. A broken nose will need to be set once the swelling goes down - usually two-to-three days after the injury. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for a broken nose to prevent infection.
If you've injured your nose, please contact our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.