Symptoms of a Broken Nose
Symptoms of a Broken Nose are usually obvious and develop shortly after injury. The most common symptoms of a broken nose include pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, and a change in the appearance of the nose. Prompt recognition of these symptoms helps ensure early treatment and prevents long-term complications.
Pain is often sharp and localised to the bridge of the nose. It worsens with touch, breathing through the nose, or facial movements like laughing or sneezing. Some patients experience headaches or pain radiating to the eyes or forehead.
Swelling develops quickly and may obscure deformities for the first 24–48 hours. The area around the nose becomes tender and puffy, sometimes extending to the cheeks or under the eyes. This swelling can make it difficult to assess the full extent of the fracture initially.
Bruising appears around the eyes, giving a “black eye” appearance. This occurs due to the leakage of blood from broken vessels beneath the skin. Bruising may also develop across the nose and upper lip.
Nasal bleeding is common, especially immediately after injury. While light bleeding usually stops on its own, profuse or ongoing nosebleeds require medical attention. Bleeding can also signal more severe damage inside the nasal cavity.
Symptoms of a Broken Nose
Deformity is a key symptom. The nose may look crooked, flattened, or visibly shifted to one side. Some people report that their glasses no longer sit correctly on their nose. A deviated septum — when the thin wall between nostrils moves off-centre — can cause visible asymmetry and breathing problems.
Other symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose, a blocked sensation in one or both nostrils, or a crunching or grating sound (crepitus) when touching the nose — a classic sign of fractured bone or cartilage.
In children, the symptoms may be more subtle. They may complain of pain, refuse to let anyone touch their face, or have unexplained swelling or bruising.
If symptoms of a broken nose are suspected, it’s best to seek evaluation within 48–72 hours. Early treatment offers the best chance of realignment before swelling interferes or healing begins in a crooked position.
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