NOSE INJURY
Injury Definition
- Injuries to the inside or outside of the nose
Types of Nose Injuries
- Broken nose (nasal fracture): Severe fractures of the nose (e.g. crooked nose) are usually reset the same day in the operating room. Most mild fractures aren't repaired until day 5 to 7 post-injury.
- Bloody nose without a fracture
- Swelling and bruising of the nose without a fracture
- Blood clot of the central wall of the nose with risk of cartilage damage and deformed nose
See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If
- HEAD INJURY is the main concern
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR NOSE INJURY
Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
- Knocked out (unconscious)
- Major bleeding that can't be stopped
- Fainted or too weak to stand following major blood loss
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
- You think you have a serious injury
- Nosebleed won't stop after 20 minutes of pinching the nostrils closed
- Skin is split open or gaping and may need stitches
- Very deformed or crooked nose
- Watery fluid dripping from the nose or ear
- Breathing through the nose is blocked on one or both sides
- Black and blue skin around both eyes
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If:
- You think you need to be seen
- Shape of the nose has not returned to normal after 5 days
- No tetanus booster in more than 10 years (5 years for dirty cuts and scrapes)
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
- You have other questions or concerns
Self Care at Home If
- Minor nose injury and you don't think you need to be seen
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR INJURY OF THE NOSE
- Treatment of Superficial
Cuts and Scrapes (abrasions):
- Apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment. Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid or gauze dressing. Change daily.
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Treatment of Swelling or Bruise with Intact Skin:
- Apply a cold pack or an ice pack (wrapped in a moist towel) to the area for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours.
- 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
- Nosebleed: Place your thumb and index finger over each side of the soft lower portion of the nose. Firmly pinch the nostrils together for 10-15 minutes.
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Concerns About a Broken (fractured) Nose:
- Not all swollen noses have a fracture
- If it is broken, standard practice is to delay correction until the swelling is gone. The swelling interferes with diagnosis and treatment.
- X-ray films are often not helpful because injuries to the cartilage do not show up. (Most of the nose is cartilage.)
- Looking at the nose after the swelling is gone (day 5 to 7) is the best way to tell if it is really fractured. Delayed surgery also helps the surgeon better see what needs to be fixed.
- Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) every 4-6 hours (adults 650 mg). Do not use aspirin for pain relief as it interferes with your normal clotting and thus can increase the likelihood of nose bleeding.
- Call Your Doctor If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Shape of the nose has not returned to normal after 5 days
- Signs of infection occur (a yellow discharge, increasing tenderness or fever)
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.
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