A broken nose, also known as a nasal fracture, occurs when there is a break or crack in the bone over the bridge of your nose. It is commonly caused by contact sports, physical fights, falls, or motor vehicle accidents that result in facial trauma. Symptoms of a broken nose include pain or tenderness, swelling of the nose and surrounding areas, bleeding from the nose, bruising around the nose or eyes, a crooked or misshapen nose, difficulty breathing through the nose, discharge of mucus, and a feeling of blocked nasal passages.
Common causes of a broken nose include injury from contact sports such as football or hockey, physical altercations, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and even walking into a fixed object or engaging in rough play. Certain activities, such as playing contact sports without a face mask, engaging in physical fights, riding a bicycle without a helmet, lifting weights without a spotter, and riding in a motor vehicle without a seat belt, increase the risk of a broken nose.
Complications or injuries related to a broken nose may include a deviated septum, which occurs when the thin wall dividing the two sides of the nose is displaced, a collection of blood known as a septal hematoma, which can block one or both nostrils and requires surgical drainage, and cartilage fracture, which may require surgical treatment to address both bone and cartilage injuries.
To prevent a nose fracture, it is important to wear seat belts when traveling in a motorized vehicle, use recommended safety equipment such as a helmet with a face mask when playing contact sports, and wear a helmet during bicycle or motorcycle rides.
Diagnosis of a broken nose usually involves a physical examination by a doctor, who may also use anesthetics to make you more comfortable during the exam. X-rays and other imaging studies are usually unnecessary but may be recommended in severe cases or when other injuries are suspected.
Treatment for a broken nose depends on the severity of the fracture. For minor fractures that haven’t caused significant misalignment, self-care measures such as using ice and taking over-the-counter pain medications may be sufficient. For displacements and breaks that require realignment, your doctor may perform manual realignment within 14 days of the fracture, using medication, nasal speculum, and special instruments. Surgery may be necessary for severe breaks, multiple breaks, or breaks that have gone untreated for more than 14 days. Reconstructive surgery may also be recommended if the nasal septum is damaged and causing obstruction or difficulty breathing.
If you suspect a broken nose, it is important to see a physician for diagnosis and treatment. Prompt medical attention can help prevent complications and ensure proper healing.