A fractured nose is the most common facial fracture. It usually results from a blunt injury and is often associated with other facial fractures. The bruised appearance usually disappears after 2 weeks.

Nose injuries and neck injuries are often seen together because a blow that is forceful enough to injure the nose may be hard enough to injure the neck.

Serious nose injuries cause problems that require immediate professional attention. However, for minor nose injuries, the doctor may prefer to see the victim after the swelling subsides.

Nosebleeds are very common. A nosebleed may be caused by trauma such as nose picking, forceful nose blowing, direct impact to the nose, and other situations. A nosebleed may also be caused by irritation or dryness of the lining of the nose, which may occur with low humidity and dry environment, allergic rhinitis, colds, or sinusitis. Deviated septum, foreign objects in the nose, or other nasal obstruction may also cause nosebleeds.

Most nosebleeds occur on the tip of the nasal septum, which contains many fragile, easily damaged blood vessels. More rarely, nosebleeds may occur higher on the septum or deeper in the nose. These higher or deeper nosebleeds may be harder to control.

Occasionally, nosebleeds may indicate other disorders such as bleeding disorders, use of aspirin or blood thinners, hypertension, or arteriosclerosis. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (also called HHT or Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome), a disorder involving a vascular (blood vessel) growth similar to a birthmark in the back of the nose, may be evidenced by nosebleeds.

• allergies
• blowing the nose
• drug abuse
• dry air
• high blood pressure
• large doses of aspirin
• nasal sprays
• picking the nose frequently
• strenuous exercise
• trauma to the nose
• tumor
• very cold air

• blood coming from one or both nostrils
• bleeding into the back of the throat
• frequent swallowing (because of bleeding into the back of the throat)
• coughing up blood
• gagging
• sensation of fullness in the ears

• difficulty breathing through the affected nostril
• irritation
• sensation of something in the nostril

• pain
• blood coming from the nose
• bruising around the eyes
• misshapen appearance
• signs of trauma
• swelling

FOR AN OBJECT LODGED IN THE NOSE:

1. Do not probe the nose with cotton swabs or other tools. Doing so may push the object further into the nose.
2. Have the victim breathe through the mouth and avoid breathing in sharply (which may force the object in further).
3. Once it is determined which nostril is affected, gently press the other nostril closed and have the victim blow through the affected nostril.
4. Avoid blowing the nose too hard or repeatedly.
5. If this method fails, get medical help.

FOR A BROKEN NOSE:

1. Reassure the victim and try to keep the victim calm.
2. Have the victim 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 victim should hold the compress so that excessive pressure is not applied.
4. To help relieve pain, acetaminophen is recommended.

FOR NOSEBLEEDS:

1. Reassure the victim and try to keep the victim calm. Have the victim breathe through the mouth.
2. Have the victim sit or stand upright (and lean forward slightly to prevent blood going down the back of the throat). This will slow the flow of blood in the veins of the nose.
3. Have the victim pinch the nose with the thumb and index finger while breathing through the mouth. Do this for 5 or 10 minutes. This should stop the flow of blood.
4. If the victim's nose is still bleeding after 15 minutes, try pinching the nose again for another 10 minutes. If the nose is still bleeding after the second try, get medical help.

• DO NOT try to remove an object that is not visible and easy to grasp; doing so may push the object farther in or cause damage to tissue.
• DO NOT try to straighten a broken nose.
• DO NOT use tweezers or other instruments to remove an object lodged deeply in the nose.

• You cannot easily remove a foreign object from the victim's nose.
• You suspect a neck injury or serious head injury.
• You have a nosebleed that does not respond to first aid measures.

• Use a lubricant such as Vaseline in the nose at night to help keep the inside of the nose moist.
• Avoid blowing the nose for 24 hours.
• Avoid hot beverages, alcohol use, smoking, and aspirin for at least 1 week.
• Avoid physical exertion for a day.
• Breathe through the mouth as much as possible.
• Elevate the head with pillows when lying down.
• Sneeze only with the mouth open.
• Try not to touch the nose at all for 24 hours.