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Nasal Bone Fracture / Broken Nose



What to look for when you have a broken nose?

The nose is made of two parts solid nasal bones in upper third and lower two third of cartilage. Trauma to the nose due to a road traffic accident, fall, contact sports, or fight can cause fracture of the nasal bone.

What symptoms to look for when you have a broken nose?

Swelling of the nose- swelling and bruising on the nose should settle down in 3-5 days. If the swelling stays longer than this seek advice from the doctor.

Bruising under the eyes will settle in a week. If there is a blurring of vision, you need to attend A&E.

Nose bleed and or clear discharge from the nose - Trauma to face can cause a nose bleed. If the nose bleed does not stop by using an ice pack on the forehead or you have a clear watery discharge from the nose, then you should attend A&E. These could be a sign of head injury.

Difficulty in breathing through the nose can be due to swelling inside the nose or blood collection under the lining of the nose (septal haematoma). If the pain inside the nose is getting worse and the nose is getting more blocked seek immediate help.

Change in shape - the shape of the nose can change due to fracture of nasal bone or cartilage.

 

When should I go to accident and emergency with the fractured nose? 

If you have symptoms of head injury ( loss of consciousness, fits,  difficulty in speaking and walking, loss of orientation, clear fluid from the nose, double vision), nose bleed which does not stop, open wound with a fractured bone.


Can Broken Nose be fixed?

If after the injury to the nose you notice the shape is changed, this can be corrected by a simple procedure known as nasal fracture manipulation. Nasal fracture manipulation is performed after swelling of nose settled down and before 14 days have passed.

When is surgery needed for a broken nose?

If nasal trauma heals with a crooked nose or fractured septum, then you may need a procedure called septorhinoplasty. ENT surgeons are trained and skilled to manage both septum for breathing problems and shape of the nose.

What are long term effects if a broken nose is left untreated?

Fractured nasal bone can leave you with crooked nose or hump. The fractured septum can cause breathing and sinus symptoms to get worse.  Nasal obstruction can lead to poor quality of sleep/sleep apnea. 

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant ENT Surgeon

To Make An Appointment

Book Appointment Online

Call 07494914140

Email info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk


Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant

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