Nasal Contusion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
A nasal contusion
is a bruise that appears on your nose after an injury. A bruise happens when small blood vessels tear but skin does not. Blood leaks into nearby tissue, such as soft tissue or muscle.
Common signs and symptoms of a nasal contusion:
- An area that may be black, blue, red, or darker than the skin around it
- Pain that increases when you touch the bruise or move your nose
- Swelling or a lump at the site of the bruise or near it
Seek care immediately if:
- You have a fever.
- You cannot breathe through your nostrils.
- You have bleeding from your nose that does not stop when you apply pressure.
- You notice a change in the shape of your nose.
- You have watery, clear fluid draining from your nose.
- You have tingling or numbness in or near the injured area.
- You have any changes in your vision.
Call your doctor if:
- Your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may not be needed. The bruise may become lighter or change to green or yellow as it heals. You may need any of the following if the contusion is severe or does not heal easily:
- Medicine may be needed to treat or prevent pain or swelling.
- Aspiration is a procedure to drain pooled blood to prevent pressure from building up.
Manage a nasal contusion:
- Rest your nose as much as possible. Do not blow your nose for a few days, if possible.
- Apply ice to decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel and place it on your bruise for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Elevate (raise) your head above the level of your heart to help decrease pain and swelling. Use pillows, blankets, or rolled towels to elevate the area as often as you can.
- Do not massage the area or put heating pads on the bruise right after your injury. Heat and massage may slow healing. Your healthcare provider may tell you to apply heat after several days. At that time, heat will start to help the injury heal.
Prevent a nasal contusion:
- Use safety belts and child restraints.
- Use safety helmets when you ride a bicycle or motorcycle.
- Use a mouth and face guard during sports.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
You may need to return within a week to have your injury checked again. Write down any questions you have so you remember to ask them during your follow-up visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
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