Nose Injury

Nose injuries include:

• Fractures of the nasal bones.
• Dislocations of nasal bones and cartilage.
• Contusions of the nose.
• Nosebleed.

Body Parts Involved

• Nasal bones and cartilage.
• Skin.
• Sinuses and eustachian tubes (indirectly, sometimes).
• Soft tissue surrounding the injury: eyes, periosteum (covering to bone), nerves, blood vessels, mucous membrane lining the inside of the nose, connective tissue.

Causes

Direct blow to the nose.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the nose.
• Swollen, bruised nose.
• Inability to breathe through the nose.
• Crooked or misshapen nose (sometimes).
• Brisk bleeding or blood oozing from the nostril. If the nosebleed is close to the nostril, the blood is bright red. If the nosebleed is deeper in the nose, the blood may be bright or dark.
• Lightheadedness from blood loss.
• Rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and pallor (with significant blood loss only).

Treatment

Note:- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

First Aid

• Apply ice packs to the nose immediately after injury to minimize swelling and decrease bleeding.
• If the nose is deformed or if the nosebleed is heavy or cannot be stopped, obtain emergency medical treatment. Gauze packing may be inserted to absorb blood, stop dripping and exert pressure on ruptured blood vessels. Continued bleeding may require cauterization.

Continuing Care

• If surgery is required to set a broken nose or insert a nasal pack, your surgeon will give you postoperative Instructions.

For a nosebleed without fracture:

• Sit up with your head bent forward.
• Clamp your nose closed with your fingers for 5 uninterrupted minutes. During this time, breathe through your mouth.
• If bleeding stops and recurs, repeat-but pinch your nose firmly on both sides for 8 to 10 minutes. Holding your nose tightly closed allows
  the blood to clot and seal the damaged blood vessels.
• You may apply cold compresses at the same time.
• Don't blow your nose for 12 hours after bleeding stops to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
• Don't swallow blood. It may upset your stomach or make you gag, causing you to inhale blood.
• Don't talk (also to avoid gagging).

Medication

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen. Aspirin should not be used because it makes bleeding more likely.
• Your doctor may prescribe:

Stronger pain relievers, if needed.

Antibiotics if infection develops.

Drugs to treat any underlying serious disorder.

Home Diet

Diagnostic Measures

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood tests if bleeding is heavy.
• X-rays of the nose.

Prevention Tips

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