Nasal Contusion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 9, 2025.
A nasal contusion is a bruise that appears on your nose after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. When blood vessels tear, blood leaks into surrounding tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle. You may develop swelling and bruising around your eyes and cheeks.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have a fever.
- You cannot breathe through your nostrils.
- You have bleeding from your nose that does not stop when you apply pressure.
- You notice a change in the shape of your nose.
- You have watery, clear fluid draining from your nose.
- You have tingling or numbness in or near the injured area.
- You have any changes in your vision.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- 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.
Manage a nasal contusion:
- Rest your nose as much as possible. Do not blow your nose for a few days, if possible.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel and place it on your bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Elevate (raise) your head above the level of your heart to help decrease pain and swelling. Use pillows, blankets, or rolled towels to elevate the area as often as you can.
- Do not massage the area or put heating pads on the bruise right after your injury. Heat and massage may slow healing. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. At that time, heat will start to help the injury heal.
Prevent a nasal contusion:
- Use safety belts and child restraints.
- Use safety helmets when you ride a bicycle or motorcycle.
- Use a mouth and face guard during sports.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return within a week to have your injury checked again. Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them during your follow-up visits.
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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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