What are the discharge instructions for a patient with a nasal bone fracture from urgent care?

Nasal Bone Fracture Discharge Instructions

Patients with nasal bone fractures should be instructed to avoid straining, heavy lifting (over 10 pounds), bending over, and exercising to prevent increased blood flow to the nose and risk of further bleeding. 1

Pain Management

• Regular acetaminophen (Tylenol) should be used for pain control as it does not increase bleeding risk 1
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medications that may increase bleeding, including aspirin and ibuprofen, unless otherwise instructed by your clinician 1
• Apply cold compresses to the nose for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain 2

Activity Restrictions

• Sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling and prevent bleeding 1
• Walking and other non-strenuous activity is permitted 1
• Refrain from blowing your nose for at least 1 week 1
• Avoid forceful sneezing (if you need to sneeze, do so with your mouth open) 1
• Avoid flying, diving, or playing wind instruments for at least 6 weeks 1

Nasal Care

• Keep the nose and any packing moist with nasal saline sprays throughout the day to reduce crusting 1
• If a nasal splint or packing is in place, do not remove it - follow up with your provider for removal at the appropriate time 2
• Maintain good nasal hygiene to prevent infection and promote healing 2

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Return of blood from nose or mouth 1
• Fever over 101°F 1
• Increasing pain 1
• Vision changes 1
• Shortness of breath or labored breathing 1
• Loss of color around the skin of the nose 1
• Swelling of the face 1
• Diffuse skin rash 1

Follow-up Care

• Schedule a follow-up appointment with your provider for reassessment and removal of any packing or splints 1
• If non-resorbable packing has been placed, strict adherence to follow-up for packing removal is important to prevent complications 1
• Even with resorbable packing, follow-up is encouraged to monitor proper healing of nasal mucosa 1

What to Expect During Recovery

• You may initially experience a small amount of bleeding from raw surfaces inside your nose after packing is removed 1
• Keeping the nose humid with saline spray and moisturizing agents will prevent dry crusts and facilitate healing 1
• In some cases, nosebleeds may recur, and additional treatment may be needed 1
• Septal injuries can be responsible for postoperative nasal deformity and obstruction, requiring additional correction 2

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

• If bleeding continues despite applying pressure to the nose by pinching the soft area, call your medical provider or go to the emergency department 1
• If you experience any of the warning signs listed above 1

Remember that proper follow-up care is essential for optimal healing and to prevent long-term complications such as nasal deformity or breathing problems 2, 3.