Falls, sports, and recreation activities. Accidents. These can all be causes of nose injuries. Most nose injuries involve bruising, swelling, and pain, whether or not the nose is broken. Applying ice to reduce the swelling and taking an over-the-counter pain medication are usually all required to resolve a typical nose injury. However, it is important to seek medical attention if:

• You have a nosebleed that won't stop.
• You think your nose is broken.
• The skin on your nose is punctured.
• The bridge of your nose collapses (a result of a hole in your septum).

You should also seek medical attention if the injury results in difficulty breathing changes your nose's size or shape, or causes ongoing drainage.

Treatment for simple nose fractures (the bone remains in place) is a combination of pain medications, nasal decongestants, and, in some cases, a nose splint. A broken nose must be set once the swelling goes down - usually two to three days after the injury. Antibiotics may also be prescribed for a broken nose to prevent infection.

If you have injured your nose, please get in touch with our office and schedule an appointment with one of our otolaryngologists.