17772 Broken Nose

Overview

A broken nose (also called a nasal fracture) happens when one of the bones or pieces of cartilage in your nose cracks or breaks. It is usually caused by a hit or fall. Most broken noses are not dangerous, but they need proper care to heal well.

Yes. Broken noses are among the most common facial injuries. They happen often during sports, falls, and car accidents.

Anyone can break their nose, but it is more common in children, teenagers, and young adults – especially people who play contact sports or are in physical altercations.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the nose
• Swelling of the nose and the area around it
• Nosebleed
• Bruising around the nose or under the eyes (black eyes)
• A crooked or misshapen nose
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils

Symptoms in children

• Children may cry, act fussy, or not want to eat.
• They may not tell you their nose hurts, so look for swelling, bruising, or a nosebleed.
• If your child breathes through their mouth more than usual, they may have a blocked nose.

Symptoms in older adults

• The skin on the nose may be thinner and bruise more easily.
• Bleeding may last longer, especially if the person takes medicines that affect blood clotting.
• Falls that cause a broken nose in an older adult may also cause other injuries to the head, neck, or body.

Causes

Main causes

• A direct hit to the nose, such as during a sport, a fight, or a rough fall
• Falls – especially in children or older adults
• Car or bicycle accidents
• Bumping your face against a door, wall, or piece of furniture

Risk factors

• Playing contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, or boxing
• Weak or thinning bones (osteoporosis) as you get older
• Taking certain medicines that can make bleeding more likely – ask your doctor or pharmacist
• Living in a home with loose rugs, stairs, or other fall hazards

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Your nose is bleeding heavily and will not stop
• You have trouble breathing through your nose
• You see clear fluid dripping from your nose
• You have signs of a head injury, like feeling sleepy, being confused, or vomiting
• You have a severe nosebleed after the first day

Book a routine appointment if:

• The shape of your nose looks different after the swelling goes down
• One side of your nose stays blocked after a few days
• You keep getting nosebleeds for more than a week
• You are worried about pain or appearance
• You want advice on when it is safe to return to sports or exercise

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask how the injury happened and then gently look at and feel your nose. They will also look inside each nostril with a small light. This is usually enough to diagnose a broken nose. X-rays are not usually needed.

Tests that may be done

• An internal look at the nose using a light and a small speculum
• X-rays – rarely needed, and only if your doctor suspects other broken bones in the face
• A CT scan – only for severe injuries or if there might be damage to other parts of the face or head

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor may press softly on the outside of your nose to check for pain or movement. It is usually not painful, but you may feel some discomfort. The whole visit is brief, and you will be told how to help your nose heal.

Treatment

Most broken noses heal on their own with rest and self-care. If the bones are out of place, the doctor can gently move them back with a simple procedure called a closed reduction. Very few broken noses need surgery.

Self-care at home

• Apply a cold pack to the outside of your nose for 15–20 minutes at a time, wrapped in a clean cloth
• Keep your head raised on pillows when sitting or sleeping to reduce swelling
• Breathe through your mouth and do not blow your nose for the first few days
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers exactly as directed by your pharmacist
• If your nose bleeds, pinch the soft part of your nose and lean forward for 10 minutes
• Avoid touching, pressing, or pushing on the outside of your nose

Medical treatments

If the nose is visibly out of shape, a doctor can often realign the bones without making any cuts. This is called a closed reduction. It is usually done within one to two weeks after the injury, and you will get a local anaesthetic so the area feels numb. If the break is severe or the nose does not stay in place, surgery may be needed to repair the bones and cartilage.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually required. It is considered if the break is severe, if breathing is still blocked after the swelling goes down, or if the nose heals in a crooked position that bothers you.

Living with this condition

During the first few days, the swelling and bruising may get worse before they improve. Most people feel much better after about two weeks, but the nose takes several weeks to fully heal. Try not to bump your nose during this time.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid contact sports or heavy exercise for at least 3–4 weeks – or for as long as your doctor advises
• If you wear glasses, rest them on your cheeks or use a forehead strap while your nose is healing
• If you smoke, talk to your healthcare team – smoking slows healing
• Try to sleep with your head raised to help reduce swelling

Diet and exercise

You can eat a normal, balanced diet while your nose heals. Eating enough protein and vitamins – from foods like eggs, fish, beans, vegetables, and fruit – can support recovery. Gentle walking is fine, but avoid intense or high-impact exercise for the first week unless your doctor says otherwise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A broken nose can change the way you look for a while, and that can feel upsetting. It is normal to feel self-conscious or frustrated while the swelling goes down. If you feel low for more than a few weeks, talk to your doctor.

Prevention

You cannot fully prevent accidents, but you can lower your risk by wearing seatbelts, using the right protective equipment for sports, and making your home safer to avoid falls.

Complications

If left untreated

• The nose may heal in a crooked position, causing a permanent change in the shape of your face
• Breathing through one or both nostrils may remain blocked
• You may get repeated nosebleeds
• A collection of blood inside the nose (called a septal haematoma) can form and block breathing – this needs urgent treatment
• If the skin over the break is cut, there is a higher risk of infection

Long-term outlook

Most broken noses heal very well with simple care and time. The vast majority of people recover fully and can return to all their usual activities. Even if a nose heals slightly off-centre, it rarely causes health problems. If it bothers you, there are treatments that can help. Your doctor will guide you through the best next steps.

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