From the Research
If you suspect a nasal fracture, seek medical attention within 1-2 weeks of the injury for optimal treatment outcomes, as guidelines suggest assessment should be at 7-10 days post-injury and manipulation within 14 days 1. For severe cases with significant bleeding, breathing difficulties, clear fluid drainage from the nose, or visible deformity, go to the emergency room immediately. For less severe fractures, scheduling an appointment with a primary care physician, urgent care, or ENT specialist within 3-7 days is appropriate. This timeframe is important because nasal bones begin to heal within 2 weeks, making correction more difficult after this period. Some key points to consider when treating a nasal fracture include:
- Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to reduce swelling
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed
- Keeping your head elevated while sleeping
- Avoiding manipulating your nose or participating in activities that could cause additional trauma Treatment options may include:
- Manual realignment if seen within two weeks
- Surgical correction (rhinoplasty) if the fracture has already begun to heal or is complex, with concomitant rhinoplasty with fracture reduction potentially achieving better surgical outcomes 2. It's also worth noting that the use of local anesthesia for nasal fracture reduction has been shown to be effective and well-tolerated, with comparable outcomes to general anesthesia 3, 4, 5.