Broken Nose – Overview
A broken nose is a fracture or crack in the bone or cartilage of the nose. This is usually caused by direct trauma to the face. As one of the most common facial fractures. This is often resulting from sports injuries, accidents, physical altercations, or falls. While some nasal fractures are minor. Additionally, others can lead to breathing problems, long-term deformity, and chronic sinus issues if left untreated.
The nose consists of both bone and cartilage. The upper third is made of bone, while the lower two-thirds are cartilage. Fractures usually occur in the bony part of the nose but may also involve the nasal septum — the thin wall separating the nostrils. When the septum is displaced, it can block airflow and affect breathing permanently.
Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising under the eyes, and bleeding from the nostrils. In more serious cases, the nose may appear crooked, flattened, or deviated. Patients may also hear or feel a crunching sound when touching the nose, indicating broken bone fragments beneath the skin.
Broken Nose
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and medical history. If the injury is part of a more serious trauma (e.g. head injury or facial fracture), a CT scan may be required to assess the extent of damage. Early evaluation is important to avoid complications and to allow for realignment before swelling worsens.
Treatment for a broken nose ranges from conservative care (like ice, rest, and pain medication) to manual repositioning (closed reduction) or surgery in cases of severe deformity. A nasal fracture should ideally be addressed within 10–14 days before the bone begins to heal improperly.
With prompt and appropriate care, most broken noses heal without complications. However, ignoring the injury or attempting to “fix it” at home can result in lasting cosmetic and functional issues.
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