Common causes of nasal fractures include sports injuries, falls, fights, or traffic accidents. Strong impacts can injure or even fracture the nasal bones, according to the US health website Healthline .
Minor nasal fractures can heal on their own without treatment.
Children are at less risk of breaking their noses than adults because their nasal bones are softer and more flexible. Symptoms of a broken nose can vary depending on the severity of the injury. A minor broken nose may only cause nosebleeds or slight swelling.
Meanwhile, a severe nasal fracture will leave significant damage to the bone, cartilage, and surrounding tissues of the nose. Victims may experience pain, swelling, difficulty breathing through the nose, bruising, and nasal deformity. In a few cases, septal hematoma may also occur, which is the formation of a blood clot between the cartilage and the nasal septum.
In many cases, minor nasal fractures can heal on their own without treatment. However, severe nasal fractures require appropriate intervention and treatment.
Typically, a broken nose takes at least 3 weeks to heal. Those with a broken nose need to manage pain and swelling and avoid activities that could further injure the nose. Because this is a critical recovery period, extreme caution is necessary. The best course of action is to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor to assess the extent of the injury and receive appropriate care.
The doctor will examine the fractured nose and the surrounding injured area to determine any deformities caused by the injury. In some cases, the patient will undergo X-rays or CT scans to assess the severity.
If the injury is minor, the doctor will instruct the patient on home care measures to manage symptoms. Elevating the head while lying down, applying cold compresses, and resting will help reduce swelling and pain. Cold compresses should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, four times a day.
With a severe injury, someone who has broken their nose will experience a lot of pain. In that case, they may need to take over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
In some cases, doctors will intervene, requiring nasal gauze or a cast to allow the bone to regrow into its original shape. Surgery may also be used to reshape the septum or reconstruct the nose. However, this method is only applied in cases of severe nasal deviation or injuries that significantly affect breathing, according to Healthline .
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