What Causes a Nasal Fracture?
Also commonly known as a broken nose, a nasal fracture is a break or crack in the bone in your nose, which is often known as a fractured nose. Contact with a fixed object, such as a door or wall, can cause a break. Contact sports (like hockey, wrestling, basketball and football) and motor vehicle accidents are common causes of a broken nose.
What Are the Symptoms of a Nasal Fracture?
Pain when touched, swelling, a noticeable curve or dent in the nose and bleeding from the nose are common symptoms of a nasal fracture. If you have a nose injury along with difficulty breathing, bleeding and a noticeable change in the shape of your nose, you should seek specialized medical attention.
To confirm a nasal fracture, your doctor will perform a physical exam. Topical anesthetics may be applied before the physical exam to control the pain. An imaging test is usually unnecessary, though a CT scan may be required if other injuries are present.
How Is a Nasal Fracture Treated?
The treatment for a nasal fracture depends on the severity. A minor fracture that has not changed the shape of your nose may not require treatment at all. Larger breaks will require your doctor to realign your nose manually. This procedure is often performed in the office with topical, injected anesthesia or both.
For severe breaks, your doctor may recommend a surgery known as rhinoplasty.