Nasal Fractures

As one of the most sensitive and vulnerable parts of the face, the nose can be susceptible to injury. It protrudes farther than the mouth, eyes, or cheeks and, as a consequence, can be easily broken from falls, sports, fights, or other risks. Learn more about nasal fractures and how the experienced team at ENT, Sinus & Hearing Care Center can help.

What Is a Nasal Fracture?

A nasal fracture is a condition in which the nose is broken or cracked. Most nasal fractures appear above the bridge of the nose or inside the septum, which is the region that divides the nostrils.

Any object that strikes the nose with sufficient amount of force may cause it to break. Nasal fractures may also accompany other facial injuries.

What Are the Symptoms of a Nasal Fracture?

A number of signs or symptoms may indicate a broken nose. If the nose or surrounding area is in intense pain or has a crooked shape, this could be a sign of a nasal fracture. A broken nose may also exhibit swelling.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Profuse bleeding from the nose
• Blocked nasal passages
• Bruising around the nose
• A grating sound when the nose is moved
• Clear fluid leaking from the nose
• Trouble breathing

How Is a Nasal Fracture Diagnosed?

If you or a loved one has or suspects a nasal fracture, it’s important not to attempt to move the nose or straighten it out. Our expert otolaryngologist, Dr. Daniel S. Samadi, will perform a physical examination of the nose and face. He may also apply an anesthetic to numb the pain.

Due to swelling that frequently accompanies a nasal fracture, we may advise returning to the office after a couple of days, allowing time for the swelling to decrease. Reduced swelling makes it easier to examine the injury.

If the nasal fracture is severe or appears in conjunction with other injuries to the face, we may order an X-ray to determine the severity of the damage.

How Are Nasal Fractures Treated?

Nasal fractures are a serious condition, especially if left untreated. While you may be able to perform first aid at home to deal with the initial injury, it’s important to seek professional medical assistance.

At home, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Instruct the injured person to breathe through their mouth, so they don’t swallow blood.
• Once the bleeding stops, elevate the head to help reduce pain.
• Ice packs can be applied to lower swelling, and pain relievers can be taken to soothe the pain.

In severe cases, nasal fractures may require surgery. During the procedure, our surgical team will manually realign the nose. They may also perform a septorhinoplasty, which involves restoring the nasal septum.

If you have questions about nasal fractures or suspect a nasal injury, please don’t wait. Contact our highly trained team for more information or to schedule an evaluation today. We’re here to help!