NOSE INJURY

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR INJURY OF THE NOSE

  1. Treatment of Superficial Cuts and Scrapes (abrasions):
    • Apply direct pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth for 10 minutes to stop any bleeding.
    • Wash the wound with soap and water for 5 minutes.
    • Apply an antibiotic ointment.  Cover large scrapes with a Band-Aid or gauze dressing. Change daily.
  2. Treatment of Swelling or Bruise with Intact Skin:
    • Apply a cold pack or an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) to the area for 20 minutes each hour for 4 consecutive hours.  
    • 48 hours after the injury, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times each day to help reabsorb the blood.
  3. Nosebleed: Place your thumb and index finger over each side of the soft lower portion of the nose. Firmly pinch the nostrils together for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Concerns About a Broken (fractured) Nose:
    • Not all swollen noses have a fracture
    • If it is broken, standard practice is to delay correction until the swelling is gone. The swelling interferes with diagnosis and treatment.
    • X-ray films are often not helpful because injuries to the cartilage do not show up. (Most of the nose is cartilage.)  
    • Looking at the nose after the swelling is gone (day 5 to 7) is the best way to tell if it is really fractured. Delayed surgery also helps the surgeon better see what needs to be fixed.
  5. Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) every 4-6 hours (adults 650 mg). Do not use aspirin for pain relief as it interferes with your normal clotting and thus can increase the likelihood of nose bleeding.
  6. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Pain becomes severe
    • Shape of the nose has not returned to normal after 5 days
    • Signs of infection occur (a yellow discharge, increasing tenderness or fever)
    • You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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