From the Guidelines
After a nasal bone fracture, it is essential to avoid straining, lifting over 10 pounds, bending over, and exercising to prevent increased blood flow to the nose and risk of further bleeding, as recommended by the clinical practice guideline on nosebleed (epistaxis) 1. To minimize complications and promote healing, patients should follow specific aftercare precautions.
- Avoid straining, lifting over 10 pounds, bending over, and exercising to prevent increased blood flow to the nose and risk of further bleeding 1.
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling and promote healing.
- Avoid over-the-counter pain medications that may increase bleeding, including aspirin and ibuprofen, and instead use acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed by a clinician 1.
- Keep the nose and packing moist with nasal saline (salt water) sprays throughout the day to reduce crusting and help resorbable packing melt away 1.
- Strictly adhere to follow-up instructions to allow for appropriate removal of packing when necessary and minimize complications 1.
- Monitor for symptoms such as return of blood from nose or mouth, fever over 101°F, increasing pain, vision changes, shortness of breath or labored breathing, loss of color around the skin of the nose, swelling of the face, or a diffuse skin rash, and seek medical attention if any of these occur 1.
- After packing removal, keep the nose humid with saline spray and moisturizing agents to prevent dry crusts and facilitate healing, and apply pressure to the nose with pinching of the soft area if bleeding occurs 1.
From the Research
Nasal Bone Fracture Aftercare Precautions
There are no specific studies provided that directly discuss nasal bone fracture aftercare precautions. However, the following general information can be gathered from the available studies:
- Nasal fractures are a common type of facial bone fracture, and proper evaluation and treatment are essential to minimize secondary surgeries and complications 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The management of nasal fractures varies widely between surgeons, and the choice of treatment depends on the severity of the fracture, the presence of associated injuries, and the patient's overall health 2, 4.
- Adequate follow-up is essential to monitor the patient's recovery and address any potential complications 4.
- Patients with nasal fractures should be aware of the potential risks and complications, such as secondary nasal deformities and chronic obstructions, and should seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms or concerns 4, 6.
Potential Complications
Some potential complications that may arise after a nasal bone fracture include:
- Epistaxis (nosebleeds) 6
- Displaced nasal bone 6
- Lacerations on the nose 6
- Secondary nasal deformities and chronic obstructions 4
- Combined facial bone fractures 6
General Recommendations
While there are no specific studies provided on aftercare precautions, general recommendations for patients with nasal fractures may include: