Causes and risk factors
The common causes of fracture in nose are falls, road traffic accident, sports injury, wrestling engaging in physical fight, any head trauma, injury to cause fracture in the nasal bones. Fracture can be seen in the cartilage or bony structure of the nasal septum separating two nostrils.
Clinical presentation
Severe excruciating pain, swelling, tenderness of nose. There is redness, bruising on nose and surrounding area. Deformity of nose is seen. There can be bleeding and discharges from nose. Patient experiences difficulty in breathing. There can be collection of blood, haematoma on nasal septum.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. X ray is recommended. Imaging studies such as CT scan and MRI is useful for further evaluation to rule out damage to other structures.
Treatment
No treatment is required for minor cracks. Application of ice pack will be sufficient. In case of major fracture, manual realignment of nasal bones is done. Splints are applied. Medicines like analgesics and NSAIDs are prescribed. Severe damage to the nasal bones, nasal septum or multiple fractures requires surgery and internal fixation. Facial reconstructive surgery may be required.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating broken nose. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating broken nose.
