A broken or swollen nose after a crash: why timing counts
An ear, nose and throat specialist on breathing, bleeding and follow up care
Swelling can hide a broken nose. It can also hide a pocket of blood in the septum, the wall that divides the nostrils. An ear, nose and throat specialist checks how your nose looks and how well you can breathe. The outside shape matters, though the exam of the inside may be more urgent. Don’t wait for the swelling to go down before you report blocked breathing. [1, 2]
Signs that go beyond a bruise
Get prompt care if bleeding won’t stop or clear fluid keeps draining from your nose. The same applies if it’s hard to breathe through your nose or it now looks crooked. A painful swelling inside the nose may be a septal hematoma, a collection of blood in the septum. It needs treatment in time to prevent damage. Vision changes, double vision, a headache that’s getting worse or a possible head or neck injury also need an urgent exam. [1, 2]
Don’t try to straighten your nose on your own. For a nosebleed, sit up straight and lean forward if there’s no reason to suspect a neck injury. Press gently, the way a clinician showed you. Tell your care team if you take blood thinners. Also mention any injury to your face from an air bag or the dashboard. [2]
Learn what the doctor checked
Ask if the clinician looked inside your nose for swelling of the septum and checked for a fracture. Find out if nearby injuries to the eye or face were checked too. Not every broken nose needs a plain X ray. Other imaging may be needed if a more serious injury is suspected. Ask what the exam confirmed and what needs another look once the swelling goes down. [1, 2]
Don't miss the window for follow up
Is your nose out of shape, or is breathing through it still blocked? Ask when a specialist should check it again. Some broken noses are set back in place after the swelling eases, within a limited time. Missing follow up can make that choice harder. Go to the appointment even if the bruises are starting to fade. [2]
If you have packing or a splint in your nose, get written instructions on bathing, activity, medicine and removal. Do not remove it yourself. Ask what kind of bleeding, fever, foul smelling drainage or rising pain should prompt a call. [2]
- Did anyone check inside my nose for a septal hematoma?
- Should I see a specialist once the swelling goes down?
- What symptom means I should come back right away?
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Sources and further reading
An ear, nose and throat viewpoint shapes this general information. After a facial injury, get urgent care for bleeding that won’t stop, clear fluid draining, trouble breathing or vision changes.
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