ENT- Otolaryngology | Posted on 12/31/2022 by RBH
A broken nose is also known as a nose fracture or nasal fracture. It is a crack or break in the nose cartilage or bone. The cracks usually happen over the nose bridge or in the septum, which is an area that divides the nostrils. A nose fracture is known to be the most common fracture on the face.
Usually, an individual can experience this problem after an injury, and at times occurs with other facial fractures. Nose fractures and neck fractures are often seen together. If the nose fracture is serious, then it requires expert healthcare attention immediately. For instance, if the cartilage is damaged, then it can lead to blood collection inside the nose. If the blood is not drained right away, then it causes an abscess or a deformity blocking the nose permanently. This problem can cause the death of the tissue and might cause nose collapse.
For such situations, the ENT specialist recommends broken nose surgery to correct the septum that’s been bent out of place because of an injury. It is important to consider immediate treatment as it helps in avoiding permanent nasal obstruction and cosmetic variations.You will find a comprehensive discussion here on everything related to a broken nose or fractured nose. So, make sure to give it a read.
Like any other health condition, there are broken nose symptoms that you need to observe such as:
Some symptoms need immediate medical treatment if you break your nose. These symptoms are:
An unexpected impact on the nose is one of the most common reasons for a broken or fractured nose. The condition usually occurs with other neck and facial injuries. There are other broken nose causes which include:
Incidents can occur with anyone, so every individual is at risk of experiencing this problem at a certain point in his/her life. There are some activities that enhance the risk of a broken nose.
Individuals who are actively engaged in contact sports are at a higher risk of a fractured nose. These contact sports are basketball, football, boxing, martial arts, soccer, and hockey.
Other activities that put an individual at risk of experiencing a broken nose include being involved in a physical altercation, riding a bicycle, skiing, snowboarding, and riding a motor vehicle.
The doctor will begin the diagnosis of a broken nose by conducting a physical assessment. It involves seeing and touching the nose including your face. If you experience severe pain, your doctor might apply anesthesia so that the nose is numb before physical evaluation.
After a complete physical examination, the doctor might ask you to visit again after two or three days once the swelling is reduced. It will also allow the doctor to view injuries effortlessly. If the nose injury is severe, then your doctor will order an X-ray or CT scan. It will help in determining the severity of the damage to your nose and other facial areas.
There might be a requirement for medical treatment depending on your symptoms or you can also consider first aid at home.
There are certain things you can do at home before seeing your doctor if you don’t have severe symptoms. It includes:
Not every broken nose injury needs treatment. If your damage is severe, your doctor might involve:
Medical treatment might not be required when only minor fractures are there with no misalignment. However, the doctor's assessment is required so that they can identify what treatment is accurate. There might be a need for broken nose surgery if the injury is moderate to severe.
Some precautions can help you to reduce the risk of a broken nose such as:
If you have a broken nose, visit an ENT specialist in Jaipur immediately. The doctor will determine the injury's extent and suggest the right treatment plan for you. It is crucial to undergo treatment as soon as possible before you experience any serious complications.
A broken nose can recover on its own within just a few days or weeks. There can be permanent deformity or difficulty breathing if the injury is severe. It is important to consult a medical expert in severe cases.
A broken nose will usually take about three to six weeks to recover.
Yes, nose injuries can be serious. Serious nose injuries often cause issues that need a healthcare expert’s attention immediately.