Nose injuries are very common and are generally a result of accidental impact. It can be the result of many different causes and can range from mere eye-watering to severe facial damage. Whatever the situation, you should be sure and take your nose injury seriously and listen to your body for any signs of a problem.
Whether the nose is broken or not, some symptoms you should watch out for include swelling, pain, or bruising. These can usually be relieved by an ice pack to reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain medications. However, if home remedies are not doing the trick and you think the damage is more severe, you should contact Alabama Ear, Nose, & Throat Specialists as soon as possible, especially if you are experiencing these symptoms:
- Persistent drainage or nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse of the bridge of your nose
- Punctured skin on the nose
- A visibly broken nose
Complications
If a nasal injury is not addressed, there are a variety of complications that can arise as a result. While many broken noses can heal without issue, it is still important that the nose is checked out by an Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist to confirm that it’s healing properly. However, if problems develop as a result of a broken nose, you will most likely notice minor or drastic changes in shape or even the internal tissues. A deviated septum— where the nasal wall that separates the two nasal passages is displaced and blocks off one of the passages— is a severe risk that comes with a broken nose and can cause problems breathing if untreated. Along with this, the potential for infection due to abnormal tissue formation can also be a dangerous complication. Be sure to watch out for any signs of these complications and contact a specialist as soon as possible.
Treatment with Alabama ENT Specialists
Our ENT specialists can address your nose injury and treat most nose fractures with medication, decongestants, and a nose splint. Depending on the extent of your injury, your specialist may feel that the fracture should be either reset or left alone to heal without disturbing the tissue, if the nose is broken. It is important to wait to put the broken nose back into place until after the swelling decreases. Our doctors may prescribe antibiotics to lessen your risk of infection, meaning you can be assured your nose will heal quickly and properly.
If you have suffered a nose injury and need medical attention, contact our office today to set up an appointment with one of our knowledgeable specialists. For more information, visit our blog page!
