Nasal contusion

A nose contusion is a facial injury and is quite a serious injury, regardless of the severity of the blow. As a rule, a nose contusion is accompanied not only by swelling, but also by bleeding, since in the anterior part of the nasal cavity there is a specific area of accumulation of many vessels - Kiesselbach's field, and the posterior part of the cavity contains even larger capillaries and vessels.

A nose contusion is usually closed, often resulting in damage to the nasal cartilage, i.e. a fracture. If the injury is inflicted on the side, the nasal bones and the frontal parts of the upper jaw are injured.

The nose appears flattened because the back of the cartilage sinks inward. The injured nasal septum results in damage to the internal mucous membranes and hematomas.

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Why is a bruised nose dangerous?

The symptoms of a bruised nose do not need a separate description, as they are characterized by such obvious pain, bleeding and swelling that they are unlikely to be confused with other signs. However, it is still necessary to differentiate a bruised nose from more serious nasal injuries, such as a cartilage fracture, since damage to the cartilaginous bone is fraught with the development of subcutaneous emphysema and even respiratory arrest. In addition, an extensive hematoma often develops under the periosteum damaged by the blow; if there is an infection in the nasal cavity (and this happens quite often), the hemorrhage develops into suppuration, an abscess. As a result - high temperature, severe headaches, difficulty breathing. Visually, the nose looks not just swollen, but as if surrounded by lymph. If you press on the tip of the nose, severe pain occurs, up to shock.

How to identify a bruised nose and distinguish it from a fracture?

Bruised nose: symptoms:

• Severe pain in the area of injury;
• Rapidly developing swelling along the edges of the nose;
• Breathing becomes difficult, but not critical;
• The pain when touching the nose is not intense;

Bleeding is possible, but it can be stopped fairly quickly with cold compresses and vasoconstrictor drops.

A simple nose bruise is usually not accompanied by complications and goes away within 10-14 days. Treatment is cold procedures during the first day, the use of nasal antiseptics and vasoconstrictors (naphthyzinum, rinazolin), then gentle warming is possible to speed up the resorption of edema.

A nasal fracture is usually impossible to repair without profuse bleeding, as the posterior areas of the nasal cavity, which contain large blood vessels, are damaged.

Symptoms of a broken nose:

• Severe pain, sensitivity to tactile contact with the nose;
• Severe swelling, sometimes spreading over the entire face or into the eye area;
• A bluish tint to both the nose and the skin around it;
• Characteristic bruises in the lower eyelid area;
• Visually, the nose appears deformed;
• Heavy bleeding that is difficult to stop;
• When palpating the septum, a crunching sound is felt;
• Severe respiratory dysfunction.

A nasal fracture is confirmed by physical examination, gentle palpation, rhinoscopy and X-ray.

A fracture is a more serious injury than a bruised nose, but complications are quite rare. These include the addition of a bacterial infection in the case of an internal hematoma, an internal abscess. Treatment involves the use of anesthetics to reduce pain, and the application of special splints. If the nasal septum is displaced, after the swelling has subsided, it is repositioned using a nasal splint and internal tampons.

First aid for a bruised nose

• Tilt your head back, even if there is no bleeding, to reduce the rate of swelling;
• In case of bleeding, you need to breathe through your mouth to prevent blood from entering the nasopharynx;
• Bleeding can be stopped by applying a cold compress to the back of the head, and the same compress should be placed at the base of the nose;
• After the bleeding has stopped, it is possible to instill antiseptic vasoconstrictor drops into the nasal cavity.

A simple bruise of the nose quickly passes, all nasal functions are restored, since the nasal cavity is well supplied with blood due to the developed internal circulatory system.

A nose bruise can be dangerous if it is accompanied by dizziness, severe bleeding that does not stop within an hour. Also, a threatening symptom is the characteristic bruises in the eye area, resembling symmetrical glasses (this may indicate a more serious injury and concussion). Such a nose bruise is classified as a craniocerebral injury.

If any alarming signs occur, especially if a child is injured, you should immediately consult a doctor to rule out possible risks and complications.

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