Nasal Fracture Research Paper

Nasal Fracture

A nasal fracture is a break or crack in the bones of the nose. Minor breaks do not require treatment. These breaks usually heal on their own in about a month. Serious breaks may require surgery.

CAUSES
This condition is usually caused by a blunt injury to the nose. This type of injury often occurs from:
• Contact sports.
• Car accidents.
• Falls.
• Getting punched.

SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
• Pain.
• Swelling of the nose.
• Bleeding from the nose.
• Bruising around the nose or eyes. You may have black eyes.
• Crooked appearance of the nose.

DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed with a physical exam. Your health care provider will gently feel your nose for signs of broken bones. X-rays of the

• If your nose starts bleeding, squeeze the soft parts of the nose against the center wall while you are sitting in an upright position for 10 minutes.
• Return to your normal activities as directed by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Avoid contact sports for 3–4 weeks or as directed by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.

SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your pain increases or becomes severe.
• You continue to have nosebleeds.
• The shape of your nose does not return to normal within 5 days.
• You have pus draining from the nose.

SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have bleeding from your nose that does not stop after 20 minutes of pinching the nostrils closed and keeping ice on the nose.
• You have clear fluid draining from your nose.
• You notice a grape-like swelling on the dividing wall between the nostrils (septum). This is a collection of blood (hematoma) that must be drained to help prevent infection.
• You have difficulty moving your eyes.
• You have recurrent