A nose fracture is damage to the nose that has a break or cracks in the bone or cartilage of the nose caused by sudden impact or trauma directed to the nose. Nose fractures commonly occur in those who play contact sports, falls, car accidents and fights.
Common causes of a nose fracture
- Falling where the nose is struck first
- Motor vehicular accidents
- Getting punched or kicked in the nose
- Bumping into a wall
- Getting hit in the nose while in a contact sport
Signs and symptoms
- Pain around or in the nose
- The nose appears bent or crooked
Pain around or in the nose is one of the signs. - Swelling of the nose
- Bleeding from the nose
- A noticeable sound when you move your nose
When to seek medical care
- Your nose is bleeding heavily and won’t cease
- You have trouble in breathing
- Your nose has a bent or crooked appearance
Nose fractures can happen to anyone and can get a nose fracture at one point in their lives, but there are people that are more susceptible to nose fractures. These include those who participate in contact sports such as boxing, soccer, basketball and martial arts.
You can also get a nose fracture if you have an accident in activities like riding a motor vehicle, riding a bicycle, skiing or snowboarding or getting into a fight.
If you don’t need medical attention immediately, you can treat your broken nose at home before you see your doctor. First, you need to stop the bleeding, you can do this by sitting down and leaning forward while breathing through your mouth. If your nose isn’t bleeding, however, you can elevate your head to reduce pain. If your nose is swelling, you can apply cold compress by putting an ice pack on your nose for fifteen (15) to twenty (20) minutes to reduce swelling.
To treat a broken nose, your doctor first will do a diagnosis by performing a physical examination. Your doctor may also perform an x-ray scan or CT scan to determine how much the damage extends to in your nose.
Your nose will heal naturally without any problems most of the time, but reconstructive surgery is there if you don’t like the way your nose healed.
Prevention
- Wear shoes that have high traction to prevent slipping or falling
- Wear protective gear while playing contact sports such a face mask
- Wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or motorbike
- Wear seatbelts while driving
More Information
The details posted on this page on a nose fracture is for learning purposes only. To learn how to provide first aid care, enroll in a first aid course with one of our training providers.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/nose-fracture
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000061.htm
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/is-my-nose-broken#1