Fractures of the nose: their symptoms and treatment

The nose is a truly outstanding part of the face, in the truest sense of the word. According to statistics, nose fractures account for more than 40% of all facial injuries, so it is useful to learn what to do in such situations, as to recognize the symptoms of a bruise and be able to provide the necessary first aid. The main causes of trauma to the bones of the face are car accidents, strikes during fights, falls, as well as household and production moments. When there are fractures of the nose, the mucous membrane breaks, which provokes bleeding. As a result of rapid swelling of the soft tissues, it is quite difficult to detect the exact place of the fracture. In addition, in most cases the nasal back is shifted to one side, and the bones are displaced in the opposite direction.

Symptoms of a broken nose:

- nose bleed;

- violation of breathing;

- soreness;

- deformation of the nasal back;

- edema and bruising around the nose and under the eyes;

- Listening to the crunch during palpation.

Consequences of fractures of the nose

The accumulation of blood in the cartilaginous part of the nasal septum can lead to infection and destruction, resulting in deformation, and the nose will bend in the middle. One of the complications of such a trauma is the curvature of the septum, which often leads to a disruption in the function of breathing and the development of frequent sinusitis and rhinitis. In more severe cases, fractures of the nose can provoke asphyxia and shock condition in the affected person.

Fracture without bias

A fine fracture of the lower edge of the nose, which is not accompanied by bone displacement, is difficult to diagnose by ordinary palpation, so in such cases it is advisable to perform a radiographic examination in the lateral projection. However, it is necessary to treat the existing picture carefully, since a fracture of the nose without displacement often looks like a seam line.

Fracture with displacement

With nasal trauma, fragments of bones may be displaced, which can lead to serious consequences such as a violation or complete blockage of breathing. Late complications include increasing respiratory failure, suppuration in soft tissues, disorders of water-electrolyte balance, as well as neuritis of the trigeminal nerve. Fracture of the nose with a shift can leave a lifelong trace on the person's face, which will remind you of what happened. To avoid this, it is recommended that you seek help in time for a doctor who, if necessary, will reposition and prescribe rhinoplasty.

Treatment of nasal fractures

After confirming the diagnosis, adult patients are usually given a local anesthetic drug, the children are treated under general anesthesia. The blood collected in the septum must be drained to prevent infection and destruction of the cartilage. After returning the nose to its normal position, it is stabilized with internal gauze tampons and an external overlay of a special tire. And although fractures of the nose can be difficult to establish, they often need immediate surgical treatment.