Symptoms and signs of a broken nose:
- Bleeding from the nose
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Difficulty breathing
Also called a nasal fracture, a broken nose is caused by physical trauma to the face, such as being punched in the face, falling, various contact sports, and other physical activities.
What to do if you think you have broken your nose:
- Breathe through your mouth and lean forward to reduce the amount of blood draining into your throat.
- Apply an ice pack or cold compress immediately after the injury. Repeat four times a day for the following 1-2 days, 10 to 15 minutes each time.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Elevate your head (even when sleeping) so as not to worsen swelling of the injury.
- See a doctor for further medical care. The doctor may let minor breaks heal on their own, prescribe treatment and medicine as necessary, and in the case of more serious fractures (such as when the nose shape is deformed by the injury), may try to realign a broken nose. If you have difficulty breathing because of your injury, seek medical attention.
Image by Tim Green
Disclaimer: The information in this post is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first-aid training. If you find yourself in a life-threatening/emergency medical situation, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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