From the Research
Symptoms of a nasal fracture include pain, swelling, bruising around the nose and eyes, bleeding from the nostrils, difficulty breathing through the nose, a crooked or misshapen appearance, and a crunching or crackling sensation when touching the nose, as noted in studies such as 1 and 2.
Key Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising around the nose and eyes
- Bleeding from the nostrils
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- A crooked or misshapen appearance
- A crunching or crackling sensation when touching the nose
Additional Considerations
You may also experience a runny nose with clear fluid (which could be cerebrospinal fluid), nosebleeds, and black eyes developing within a few hours, as mentioned in 2. For immediate relief, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the nose for 15-20 minutes several times daily for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
Management
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed, as acetaminophen pretreatment did not add analgesia any more than that of placebo, according to 3. Keep your head elevated while sleeping to minimize swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if you have severe pain, significant deformity, difficulty breathing, persistent bleeding, or clear fluid drainage from your nose, as emphasized in 1 and 2. A broken nose should be evaluated within 7-10 days of injury, as corrections are best made before the bone begins to heal permanently, as noted in 1. Most broken noses heal within 3-4 weeks, though swelling may persist longer.