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Nose fracture

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Fracture of the nose; Broken nose

First Aid:

1. Reassure the patient and try to keep the patient calm.
2. Have the patient breathe through the mouth and lean forward in a sitting position in order to keep blood from going down the back of the throat.
3. Apply cold compresses to the nose to reduce swelling. If possible, the patient should hold the compress so that excessive pressure is not applied.
4. To help relieve pain, acetaminophen is recommended.

Do Not:

• DO NOT try to straighten a broken nose.
• DO NOT move the person if there is reason to suspect a head or neck injury .

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• You suspect a neck or head injury
• Bleeding will not stop
• Clear fluid keeps draining from the nose
• The person is having difficulty breathing

• Review Date: 1/30/2007
• Reviewed By: Ravindra Uppaluri, MD. Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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