🔥 1. What is a Nasal Fracture?

A nasal fracture is a break or crack in the bones of the nose, usually the nasal bridge. It is the most common facial fracture due to the nose’s prominent position.

💡 2. Causes of Nasal Fractures

• Sports injuries (football, boxing, basketball)
• Falls or accidents (slips, car crashes)
• Physical altercations (punch or direct blow)
• Contact with hard objects (steering wheel, door frames)

🔎 3. Symptoms of Nasal Fracture

• Pain and tenderness in the nose or face
• Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes (black eye)
• Bleeding from the nose (epistaxis)
• Crooked or misshapen nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Crackling or crunching sensation when touching the nose
• Nasal congestion or blockage
• Clear fluid drainage (could indicate a skull base fracture with CSF leakage—seek immediate care)

🔥 4. Diagnosis & Evaluation

When you visit a healthcare provider, they will perform:

• Physical examination:
  • Inspect for swelling, deformity, and tenderness.
  • Check for septal hematoma (a blood collection under the nasal lining, which requires urgent drainage).
• Imaging tests:
  • X-ray: Identifies nasal bone fractures.
  • CT scan: For complex or associated facial fractures.
• Nasal endoscopy:
  • In some cases, used to assess internal damage or bleeding.

⚡ 5. Immediate First Aid & Management

If you suspect a nasal fracture, take these steps immediately:

✅ First Aid Tips:

• Stop the bleeding:
  • Sit upright and lean forward (not backward) to prevent swallowing blood.
  • Pinch the nostrils together for 10-15 minutes.
• Apply ice or a cold compress:
  • Reduces swelling and pain.
  • Apply for 15-20 minutes every hour for the first 24-48 hours.
• Avoid blowing your nose:
  • Prevents worsening the fracture or causing further bleeding.
• Pain relief:
  • Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain.
• Seek medical care:
  • If you have difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or a deformed nose, visit the ER.

🔥 6. Medical Treatment Options

Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may include:

✅ A) Non-Surgical Treatment

• Minor fractures:
  • Managed with ice, pain relievers, and rest.
  • The swelling subsides within 3–5 days.
• Nasal splinting:
  • External splint or cast may be applied to stabilize the nose.
• Septal hematoma drainage:
  • If present, a doctor will drain the hematoma to prevent cartilage damage.

⚡ B) Closed Nasal Reduction (Realignment)

• Performed for moderate fractures with mild misalignment.
• Done within 7–14 days before the bones heal.
• Procedure:
  • Local or general anesthesia is used.
  • The doctor manually realigns the bones using special instruments.
  • A splint or nasal packing is applied for support.

🔥 C) Surgery for Severe Fractures

If the fracture is complex, surgery may be necessary:

1. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF):
   • For severely displaced or multiple fractures.
   • Realigns bones with small plates or screws.
2. Rhinoplasty (Cosmetic Surgery):
   • Corrects nasal deformities.
   • Improves both appearance and breathing.
3. Septorhinoplasty:
   • Combines nasal realignment with septum repair.
   • For cases involving deviated septum or airway obstruction.
4. Reconstructive surgery:
   • For complex fractures with significant disfigurement.

💡 7. Recovery & Aftercare

• Healing timeline:
  • Minor fractures: 1–2 weeks.
  • Complex fractures or surgery: 4–6 weeks.
• Pain management:
  • Use prescribed pain relievers or over-the-counter medications.
• Nasal care:
  • Saline nasal sprays prevent dryness and promote healing.
  • Avoid blowing your nose for 2–3 weeks.
• Follow-up visits:
  • To monitor healing and ensure the nasal bones remain aligned.
• Sleeping tips:
  • Sleep with your head elevated to reduce swelling.
• Activity restrictions:
  • Avoid contact sports or physical activity for 4–6 weeks.

🔥 8. Complications of Untreated Nasal Fractures

If left untreated, nasal fractures can lead to:

• Chronic nasal obstruction: Due to a deviated septum.
• Persistent nasal deformity: Crooked or misshapen nose.
• Septal hematoma complications: Can cause cartilage necrosis or saddle nose deformity.
• Frequent sinus infections: Due to obstructed nasal passages.
• Breathing difficulties: Long-term airway obstruction.

✅ 9. Prevention Tips

• Wear protective gear during sports or physical activities.
• Use seat belts and airbags when driving.
• Childproof your home to prevent falls and facial injuries.
• Avoid physical altercations when possible.

💡 10. When to Seek Medical Attention

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling that worsens.
• Difficulty breathing through the nose.
• Persistent or heavy nasal bleeding.
• Visible deformity or misalignment of the nose.
• Clear fluid drainage from the nose (possible CSF leak).