Nasal Fractures: What to Do After a Broken Nose

A broken nose, also known as a nasal fracture, is a common injury that can result from a variety of accidents, including sports injuries, falls, and physical trauma. While it can be a painful and distressing experience, taking the right first-aid steps immediately after the injury can reduce complications and help you recover faster. Here’s what you need to know about handling a broken nose before you visit an ENT doctor.

1. Recognize the Signs of a Broken Nose

Before taking action, it’s important to understand the symptoms of a nasal fracture. If you experience any of the following signs, it’s likely that your nose is broken:

• Swelling and Bruising: Especially around the nose and under the eyes.
• Pain and Tenderness: Sharp pain when touching the nose or difficulty moving your face.
• Bleeding: Nosebleeds are common following a nasal injury.
• Deformity: A noticeable change in the shape of the nose, like it appearing crooked.
• Difficulty Breathing: Swelling or misalignment of the nasal passages can obstruct airflow.
• Crunching Sound: A “crackling” sound when touching the nose may indicate a fracture.

If you notice any of these symptoms, follow the steps below for immediate first aid.

2. Stop the Bleeding

Nosebleeds are a frequent result of nasal fractures. To manage bleeding:

• Stay Upright and Lean Forward: Sit or stand up straight and lean your head slightly forward. This will help prevent blood from flowing down the back of your throat, which can cause nausea or choking.
• Pinch Your Nose: Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the soft part of your nose, just below the bony bridge. Hold this position for about 10-15 minutes to allow the blood to clot.
• Avoid Tilting Your Head Back: Tilting your head back can make the blood flow into your throat, potentially causing more discomfort and complications.

3. Apply Ice to Reduce Swelling

Swelling can make the injury more painful and worsen breathing difficulties. Applying ice as soon as possible can help control swelling:

• Wrap the Ice: Use an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.
• Apply to the Nose and Cheeks: Gently place the ice over the nose and surrounding area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Repeat this every hour for the first 24-48 hours.
• Avoid Putting Pressure on the Nose: Be careful not to press directly on the nose to avoid worsening the injury.

4. Manage Pain Safely

A broken nose can be painful, but over-the-counter pain relievers can help:

• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen: These medications can provide relief from pain and help reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
• Avoid Aspirin: Aspirin is a blood thinner and may increase bleeding, so it’s best to avoid this unless advised by a healthcare provider.

5. Don’t Blow Your Nose

After a nasal fracture, the urge to blow your nose can be strong, especially if you feel congested. However, blowing your nose can cause further damage, lead to more swelling, and even create air pockets in the tissue, a condition called subcutaneous emphysema. Refrain from blowing your nose until a doctor gives the all-clear.

6. Seek Medical Attention

While first aid can help control symptoms, it’s essential to visit an ENT doctor as soon as possible to assess the extent of the injury. You should seek immediate medical attention if:

• The bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of pressure.
• You have severe pain or difficulty breathing.
• There’s a visible deformity or your nose appears crooked.
• You experience clear fluid draining from the nose (this could indicate a more serious injury).
• You have persistent headaches, double vision, or loss of consciousness following the injury.

An ENT specialist or consultant will evaluate your nasal fracture, and depending on the severity, may recommend treatments such as realigning the bones (closed reduction), surgery, or simply allowing it to heal naturally with monitoring.

7. What Not to Do After a Broken Nose

In addition to knowing what to do, here are a few things you should avoid doing after a nasal fracture:

• Don’t Touch or Try to Straighten the Nose: Leave the adjustment of the nose to a medical professional. Attempting to realign it yourself can cause further damage.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: Physical exertion can worsen swelling and increase the risk of re-injury. Rest until you’ve been evaluated by a doctor.
• Don’t Delay Medical Attention: Even if the injury seems minor, untreated fractures can lead to long-term problems like breathing difficulties, chronic sinus issues, or a permanently misshapen nose.

8. Treatment Options for Nasal Fractures

Depending on the severity of the break, your ENT doctor may recommend different treatments:

• Closed Reduction: This is a non-surgical procedure where the doctor manually realigns the bones. It’s typically done within 1-2 weeks of the injury when swelling has gone down.
• Surgery: For severe fractures or those affecting the nasal septum (the partition between the nostrils), surgery may be needed to restore proper function and appearance.
• Pain Management & Swelling: Your doctor will advise you on medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and in some cases, nasal splints may be used to support the nose as it heals.

9. Post-Treatment Care

After medical treatment, follow these steps to ensure smooth recovery:

• Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling and avoid additional pressure on the nose.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: For at least 4-6 weeks, avoid any activities that may put you at risk for re-injury, such as contact sports, heavy lifting, or vigorous exercise.
• Watch for Complications: If you experience persistent headaches, difficulty breathing, or ongoing pain, contact your doctor. These may be signs of a septal hematoma or other complications that need further attention.

10. Preventing Nasal Fractures

While not all accidents can be avoided, here are some steps to reduce the risk of nasal fractures:

• Wear protective gear during contact sports (helmets, face guards).
• Always wear seat belts when driving.
• Take precautions to avoid falls, especially in wet or slippery areas.

When to Call Our ENT Clinic

If you’ve experienced a nasal fracture, don’t hesitate to seek care. Timely intervention is key to proper healing and preventing long-term issues like breathing difficulties or cosmetic concerns. At ENT Clinic of Excellence, we specialize in diagnosing and treating nasal fractures. Whether you need immediate evaluation or follow-up care, our team can guide you through the recovery process and help prevent complications.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.