Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version

Nose Trauma

DESCRIPTION

When a nose is hit, it often becomes bloody, bruised, and swollen. In most cases it is not broken. Even when a fracture is present, x-rays of the nose often show nothing conclusive. It's best to wait 5 days, when the swelling should be gone. If the nose then appears to be crooked, you will probably be referred to an ear-nose-throat surgeon. For mild fractures of the nose, this delayed correction works best. Severe fractures of the nose are often reset the same day in the operating room.

HOME CARE

  1. Bruises or swelling

    Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes. One hour later apply ice again for 20 minutes. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as necessary for pain. (Do not give aspirin because it may prolong the bleeding.)

  2. Superficial cuts or abrasions

    Wash the area vigorously with soap and water for 5 minutes. Then apply pressure for 10 minutes with a sterile gauze to stop bleeding from the cut or scrape. If the scrape is large, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the scrape with a Band-Aid for 1 day.

  3. Nosebleed

    To stop a nosebleed, squeeze the soft parts of the nose against the center wall for 10 minutes.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:

  • The nose is definitely broken or crooked.
  • The skin is split open and may need stitches.
  • A nosebleed won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
  • Breathing through the nose is blocked.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

  • The shape of the nose has not returned to normal after 5 days.
  • A yellow discharge, increasing tenderness, fever, or other signs of infection occur.
  • You have other concerns or questions.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems