Nasal fracture

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Nasal fracture, commonly referred to as a broken nose, is a break or crack in the bone or cartilage of the nose. This type of injury is often the result of trauma to the face, such as from a fall, sports injury, physical altercation, or motor vehicle accident.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of a nasal fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness, especially when touching the nose
• Swelling of the nose and surrounding areas
• Bruising around the nose or eyes, also known as raccoon eyes
• Nosebleed (epistaxis)
• Deformity or crooked appearance of the nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Mucus discharge from the nose

Diagnosis

A nasal fracture is typically diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider. In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans may be used to assess the extent of the injury and to check for other facial fractures.

Treatment

Treatment for a nasal fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Options include:

• **Self-care**: For minor fractures, self-care measures such as applying ice, taking pain relievers, and keeping the head elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.
• **Medical treatment**: For more severe fractures, a healthcare provider may need to manually realign the bones and cartilage, a procedure known as closed reduction. This is usually done within 1 to 2 weeks of the injury.
• **Surgery**: In cases where the fracture is complex or if there is significant deformity, surgery may be required to properly align the bones and restore the appearance and function of the nose.

Complications

Complications from a nasal fracture can include:

• Septal hematoma: A collection of blood within the nasal septum that can lead to infection or tissue death if not treated promptly.
• Deviated septum: A displacement of the nasal septum that can cause breathing difficulties.
• Chronic nasal obstruction: Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses.

Prevention

Preventing nasal fractures involves taking precautions to avoid facial injuries. This includes wearing protective gear during sports, using seat belts in vehicles, and avoiding physical altercations.

See Also

• Facial trauma
• Bone fracture
• Epistaxis
• Deviated septum