Nasal Fracture
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
A nasal fracture is a crack or break in your nose. You may have a break in the upper nose (bridge), the side, or the septum. The septum is in the middle of the nose and divides your nostrils.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- You feel like one or both of your nasal passages are blocked and you have trouble breathing.
- Clear fluid is leaking from your nose.
- You have severe nose pain, even after you take medicine.
- You have double vision or have problems moving your eyes.
Call your doctor if:
- You have a fever.
- You continue to have nosebleeds.
- You have a headache that gets worse, even after you take pain medicine.
- Your splint or packing is loose.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Medicine may be given to decrease pain or help prevent a bacterial infection. Ask how to take pain medicine safely. Medicine may also be given to decrease nasal swelling and help make breathing easier.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Wound care:
Ask your healthcare provider how to care for your wounds, splint, or packing.
How to care for your nasal fracture:
- Apply ice on your nose for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Elevate your head when you lie down. This will help decrease swelling and pain. You may need to see a specialist 3 to 5 days later for tests or more treatment after swelling has gone down.
- Protect your nose to prevent bleeding, bruising, or another fracture. Try not to bump your nose on anything. You may not be able to play sports for up to 6 weeks.
Follow up with a specialist or your doctor in 2 to 5 days as directed:
Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them during your visits. Sometimes follow-up care is needed months or even years later to correct problems.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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