About this topic
A nose fracture is a break or crack of the bone in the nose. It may also damage the septum. The septum is the wall that divides your nostrils. Your nose may look swollen and bruised. You may have pain around your nose and eyes. You may get bruises on your face or black eyes. Healing will depend on the extent of your injury and how you respond to treatment. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Do not remove any nose packing or bandages until your doctor tells you to.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your head on pillows when sleeping, lying down, or resting. This will help with swelling.
- Do not blow your nose. Avoid sniffing. Gently pat or dab away any drainage with a clean cloth.
- Open your mouth if you feel like you are going to sneeze.
- Talk with your doctor before using any nasal drops or sprays.
- Do not rub or massage your nose.
- Avoid hitting or bumping your face. Protect your nose from bruising or bleeding and to avoid more injury.
- If your nose is bleeding, hold your head forward to prevent blood going from down your throat.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to take a bath or shower. Cover your nose to prevent water from going inside your nose.
- Ask your doctor if you may wear eyeglasses or sunglasses.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you had nose packing put in your nose, your doctor will remove it at your next visit.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- Avoid tiring activities and exercise that makes you breathe hard.
- Ask your doctor if you need to avoid bending down. Ask if you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds.
- Ask your doctor when it is okay to go back to your normal activities like work or school.
What problems could happen?
- Change in the shape of your nose
- Sinus damage
- Inside wall of your nose heals crooked
- Infection
- Change or loss of your sense of smell
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Use protective headgear like helmets or mouthguards when riding bikes, motorcycles, and playing sports.
- Follow safety rules when playing sports.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Avoid falls. Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes.
- Avoid getting into fights.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Go to the ER right away if clear fluid is flowing from your nose and ears.
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher
- Trouble breathing
- More injury to your nose
- A nosebleed that will not stop
- Very bad pain even when taking drugs for the pain
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or a nosebleed that will not stop.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery ‚
http://www.entnet.org/healthinformation/nasal-fractures.cfm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-nose/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚