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’s not out of place to find out what to do in situations such as recognizing bruising symptoms and being able to provide the necessary first aid. The main causes of trauma to facial bones are car accidents, blows during fights, falls, as well as domestic and industrial moments. When nose fractures occur, the mucous membrane breaks, which provokes bleeding. As a result of the rapid swelling of soft tissues, it is rather difficult to find the exact fracture site. In addition, in most cases, the nasal back is shifted to the side, and the bones are displaced in the opposite direction.
Symptoms of nose fractures:
- nose bleed;
- respiratory failure;
- soreness;
- Deformation of the nasal back;
- swelling and hematoma around the nose and under the eyes;
- listening to the crunch on palpation.
The consequences of nose fractures
The accumulation of blood in the cartilage 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 an injury is the curvature of the septum, which often leads to impaired respiratory function and the development of frequent sinusitis and rhinitis. In more severe cases, fractures of the nose can provoke asphyxiation and shock in the victim.
Fracture without displacement
A small fracture of the lower edge of the nose, which is not accompanied by a displacement of the bones, is very difficult to diagnose with a normal palpation, so in such cases it is advisable to conduct an x-ray examination in lateral projection. However, the prevailing picture must be interpreted carefully, since a broken nose without displacement often looks like a suture line.
Offset fracture
With nasal trauma, displacement of bone fragments can occur, which is fraught with serious consequences such as disturbance or complete blockage of breathing. Late complications include increasing respiratory failure, suppuration in the soft tissues, disorders of water-electrolyte balance, and trigeminal neuritis. A fracture of the nose with displacement can leave a lifelong mark on a person's face, which will remind of what happened. To avoid this, it is recommended that you seek the help of a doctor on time, who, if necessary, will reposition and prescribe rhinoplasty.
Nasal Fracture Treatment
After confirming the diagnosis, adult patients are usually given a local anesthetic, and children are treated under general anesthesia. The blood collected in the septum must be drained to prevent infection and destruction of the cartilage. After the nose is returned to its normal position, it is stabilized using internal gauze swabs and the external application of a special tire. Although nose fractures can be difficult to establish, they often need immediate surgical treatment.