29 Aug What is Nasal Trauma?
Accidents happen, and nasal trauma can often occur when you are hit in the nose or the areas of the face that support it. Unfortunately, the location of our nose can make it vulnerable to injury, so undergoing trauma of the nose is not an uncommon event. There are two kinds of nasal trauma, external and internal. Fights, sports, accidents, and even falls can cause external nasal trauma, especially during a situation where excessive force is applied to the nose.
Whereas internal trauma of the nose can occur when there is damage to the blood vessels or cartilage inside the nose. Internal nasal trauma can occur from infections, drug use, picking or scratching inside of your nose, and even from foreign objects becoming lodged inside the nose.
What are the Symptoms of Trauma of the Nose?
Symptoms can vary depending upon the type and extent of the injury and can range from mild to severe. A bloody nose is the most common symptom of nasal trauma, but there are other symptoms to look out for as well. They include:
•Lack of, or no sense of smell
•Pain in or around the nose
•Bruising around the eyes
•Difficulty breathing through the nose
•Clear fluid dripping from the nose
•Facial swelling
•The shape of the nose becomes distorted
How Do You Treat Nasal Trauma?
Luckily, if you have a mild case of nasal trauma, it can be treated at home using basic first aid. However, it is essential to schedule an appointment with a nose specialist if you suspect that your nose is fractured or broken. Doing so within a week of the injury gives you a higher chance of making a full recovery. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend packing, cauterization, medication, or even surgery as your treatment plan.
Nasal injury can occur to anyone, so it is important to know that there are options available to help. If you live in the NYC metro area, Dr. Corinne Horn at the NY Facial Plastic Surgery Center specializes in cosmetic and nasal reconstruction. Contact us today for more information or to book an appointment.