You can know if your nose is broken by observing several key signs and symptoms following an injury to the nose. Common indications of a broken nose (nasal fracture) include:
- Pain or tenderness, especially when touching the nose
- Swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes
- Bleeding from the nose
- A crooked, bent, or misshapen appearance of the nose
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- A crackling or crunching sound when touching the nose
- Mucus discharge or feeling that nasal passages are blocked
If you experience a combination of these symptoms after trauma such as a fall, sports injury, or physical altercation, your nose may be broken
. You should seek medical attention immediately if you have:
- Severe or uncontrollable nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing that does not improve with reduced swelling
- Clear, watery fluid draining from the nose (could indicate cerebrospinal fluid leak)
- A visibly crooked or twisted nose that is not due to swelling
- Signs of head or neck injury such as severe headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or neck pain
- Other concerning symptoms like fever or changes in vision
A healthcare provider will typically diagnose a broken nose by examining the nose for deformity, swelling, tenderness, and bruising, and may gently press on the nose to assess pain and stability. X-rays or CT scans are not always necessary unless other facial injuries are suspected
. In summary, if you have nasal pain, swelling, bruising, nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, or a crooked nose after trauma, it is likely your nose could be broken and you should consider seeing a doctor for evaluation and treatment
