Complications from a Broken Nose
A broken nose, medically known as a nasal fracture, refers to a crack or break in the bones of the nose, according to the Mayo Clinic 1. Specific symptoms of a broken nose include nose pain or tenderness, a crooked nose, a runny nose and nosebleeds 1. A broken nose also can lead to nasal swelling and trouble breathing through the nose 1. Left untreated, complications from a broken nose can develop 1.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Deviated Septum
A broken nose can lead to a deviated septum 12. The Mayo Clinic explains that a deviated septum is a displacement of the thin tissue layer dividing the two sides of the nasal cavity 12. Specific symptoms of a deviated septum include nasal congestion of one or both nostrils, postnasal drip, nosebleeds and recurrent sinus infections 2. A deviated septum also causes noisy breathing 2.
Treatment of a deviated septum involves managing symptoms with antihistamines, decongestants and nasal cortisone sprays 2. A surgical procedure known as a septoplasty can be used to repair a deviated septum 2.
Septal Hematoma
Causes of Nose Numbness
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A broken nose can lead to a septal hematoma 13. MedlinePlus says a septal hematoma refers to a collection of blood within the nasal septum 3. Specific symptoms of a septal hematoma include nasal congestion, trouble breathing and swelling of the nasal septum 3.
Treatment for a septal hematoma involves draining the septal hematoma 3. During the procedure, a physician cuts the tissue lining over the hematoma. The nose is then packed with gauze or cotton.
- A broken nose can lead to a septal hematoma 1.
- Treatment for a septal hematoma involves draining the septal hematoma 3.
Other Complications
A broken nose can lead to facial deformities 1. The nose may appear crooked, bruised and swollen and severely affect an individual's appearance. Treatment for a disfigured nose involves splinting the nose. Sometimes, surgery may be necessary to put the nose back in place.
Trauma to the nose also can lead to loss of smell. Although not life-threatening, this can affect the sensation of taste. Once the broken nose is repaired, the sense of smell should return over time 1.
A broken nose can interfere with breathing as well, especially if the nasal bones and tissues obstruct the nasal passages 1. Again, repairing the broken nose should improve breathing 1.
- A broken nose can lead to facial deformities 1.
- Trauma to the nose also can lead to loss of smell.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Broken Nose
- Mayo Clinic: Deviated Septum
- MedlinePlus: Septal Hematoma
- Fried MP. Deviated septum. Merck Manual. Updated March 2019.
- Ahn JC, Lee WH, We J, Rhee CS, Lee C, Kim JW. Nasal septal deviation with obstructive symptoms: Association found with asthma but not with other general health problems. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2016;30(2):e17-20
- Johansson L, Bende M. Excessive obesity is related to daily symptoms of nasal blockage: the Skövde population-based study. Rhinology. 2007 Sep;45(3):205-7.
- Andrades P, Cuevas P, Danilla S, et al. The accuracy of different methods for diagnosing septal deviation in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty: A prospective study. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2016;69(6):848-855.
- Kumar L, Belaldavar BP, Bannur H. Influence of Deviated Nasal Septum on Nasal Epithelium: An Analysis. Head Neck Pathol. 2017;11(4):501–505. doi:10.1007/s12105-017-0819-9
- Verhoeven S, Schmelzer B. Type and severity of septal deviation are not related with the degree of subjective nasal obstruction. Rhinology. 2016 Dec 1;54(4):355-60.
- Lee JJ, Hong SD, Dhong HJ, Chung SK, Kim HY. Risk factors for intraoperative saddle nose deformity in septoplasty patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jul;276(7):1981-86. doi: 10.1007/s00405-019-05411-x
- American Academy of Otolaryngology. (2019). Deviated Septum.
- Kryger, MH et al. "Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine." ExpertConsult, 6th edition, 2016.
- Wang MB, Corren J. Etiologies of nasal symptoms: An overview. Feldweg, ed. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate Inc.
Writer Bio
Lisabetta Divita is a physician whose love for writing flourished while she was exposed to all facets of the medical field during her training. Her writings are currently featured in prominent medical magazines and various online publications. She holds a doctorate in medicine, a master's in biomedicine, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Boston College.