A broken nose occurs when the bone breaks as a result of trauma. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your nose is broken. Your nose may be swollen and appear crooked as a result of the injury but not actually be broken. Once the swelling goes down, you can look at the nose and determine whether it is still crooked. If it is crooked after several days, then the bone is usually broken and may need to be set by a doctor. A doctor can also diagnose a broken nose by taking X-rays.
After a Fracture
As soon as a fracture or break in the bone occurs, you can start treating the nose. You should keep your head up and avoid allowing blood to enter the mouth, which could cause difficulty breathing. Put an ice pack on your nose right away. You can take over-the-counter drugs to manage the pain, but you should only take acetaminophens. Tylenol is one over-the-counter acetaminophen you can take for a broken nose. You should not take nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 48 hours after you injure your nose. Advil, Motrin and aspirin are examples of NSAIDs to be avoided.
Medical Treatment
In most cases, no treatment is required other than pain management medications, and a broken nose will heel on its own. If you want to ensure the bone heels properly to avoid cosmetic defect, you can go to a doctor who can straighten the bone and cartilage and pack the nose (bandage it with gauze) to ensure it heels properly.
If you had a complicated fracture and the bone or cartilage is out of place, surgery may be required. This surgery is usually performed within 7 to 14 days after the initial break. The doctor will put you under anesthesia and adjust the bone or cartilage so it is properly in place. You will need to wear a bandage or splint for several days following nasal surgery.
Complications
Possible complications can accompany a broken nose. These injuries require immediate treatment. If you experience bleeding that cannot stop, you may have a condition called epistaxis and you should see a doctor immediately. If you have excessive blood in the nasal septum, or have clear liquid draining from one or both of your nostrils, you should also see a doctor immediately as these may be indicators of a nasal septal hematoma or rhinorrhea. Both nasal septal hematoma and rhinorrhea require immediate medical treatment.
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