Pain Management: Broken Nose
The nose anchors the face, so to speak, which means that breaking it will not only likely result in physical pain but in psychological pain, too – without proper pain management. You will feel self-conscious about your broken nose as well as experience its physical symptoms ranging from pain to blocked nasal passages.
Fortunately, a broken nose can be resolved with basic care. Be sure to consult with an expert at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the Irwindale clinic (which is near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village), before taking any action on your broken nose for best results.
How do you know that you have a broken nose? If you have these typical symptoms, then you should consult with your doctor immediately:
- Pain in or around your nose
- Swelling in your nose
- Bruises around your nose or eyes
- Nosebleed
- Runny nose
- Grating feeling, or sound, when you rub or touch your nose
- Blocked nasal passages
While a broken nose may seem like a relatively simple medical emergency, it is not because of the complications that come with it. You will be at risk for the following complications:
- Change in the appearance of your nose
- Nasal septal hematoma (i.e., large quantity of blood in the nose)
- Septal perforation (i.e., hole in the nasal septum)
- Crooked nasal septum
- Permanent difficulty in breathing
- Infections in the sinuses, nose, or facial bones
- Changes, even loss, in your sense of smell
Your doctor is the only person who can diagnose and recommend treatments for a broken nose. You will undergo a medical history and physical exam, which may include X-rays and a CT scan of your nose.
As soon as your nose gets broken, however, you can adopt the following steps in minimizing the damage.
- Apply ice on your nose and keep your head elevated.
- Take pain medication, such as acetaminophen.
- Never take other medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and aspirin for 48 hours unless recommended by your doctor.
Most broken noses will not require treatment beyond the management of pain. But when medical treatment is necessary, your doctor may use nasal packing and splints.
Pain management is the first order of the day for cases of broken nose. Seek medical treatment at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one in La Mirada, which is near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.