The nose is a truly prominent part of the face, in the truest sense of the word. According to statistics, nose fractures account for more than 40% of all facial injuries, so it would be useful to know what to do in such situations, how to recognize the symptoms of a bruise and be able to provide the necessary first aid. The main causes of traumatization of the bones of the face are car accidents, blows during a fight, falls, as well as domestic and industrial moments. When nose fractures occur, the lining of the nose is torn, causing bleeding. As a result of the rapid swelling of the soft tissues, it is rather difficult to find the exact location of the fracture. In addition, in most cases, the nasal dorsum is shifted to one side, and the bones are shifted in the opposite direction.
Symptoms of nose fractures:
- nosebleed;
- respiratory failure;
- soreness;
- deformity of the nasal dorsum;
- swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes;
- listening to a crunch on palpation.
Consequences of nose fractures
Accumulation of blood in the cartilage of the nasal septum can lead to its infection and destruction, resulting in deformity, and the nose will sag in the middle. One of the complications of such an injury is the curvature of the septum, which often leads to impaired respiratory function and the development of frequent sinusitis and rhinitis. In more severe cases, nasal fractures can cause asphyxia and shock in the victim.
Fracture without displacement
A small fracture of the lower edge of the nose, which is not accompanied by a displacement of the bones, is very difficult to diagnose by ordinary probing, therefore, in such cases, it is advisable to conduct an x-ray examination in a lateral projection. However, this picture must be interpreted with caution, since a nose fracture without displacement often looks like a suture line.
Displaced fracture
When a nasal injury occurs, bone fragments can be displaced, which is fraught with such serious consequences as impaired or complete blocking of breathing. Late complications include increasing respiratory failure, suppuration in soft tissues, water and electrolyte balance disorders, and trigeminal neuritis. A displaced nose fracture can leave a lifelong mark on a person's face that will remind of what happened. To avoid this, it is recommended to seek help from a doctor in time, who, if necessary, will reposition and prescribe rhinoplasty.
Treatment of nasal fractures
After confirmationadult patients are usually treated with a local anesthetic; children are treated under general anesthesia. The blood collected in the septum must be drained to prevent infection and destruction of the cartilage. After returning the nose to its normal position, it is stabilized with the help of internal gauze swabs and external application of a special splint. Although nasal fractures can be difficult to diagnose, they often require immediate surgical treatment.
