Broken Nose |
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DESCRIPTION
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A small fracture of the bone in your nose will usually heal in about a month. A really bad break may need surgery after the swelling is gone.
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CAUSES
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Any blow to the nose can cause a break. The injury is typically sustained during athletics or in a fall.
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SYMPTOMS
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Swelling, pain, bruising, and bleeding can be expected. Your face may feel numb or tingle. If the break has pushed the bones out of place, the nose may seem out of shape.
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CARE
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If you have a bad break, you will probably need an x-ray, and surgery may be necessary. X-rays often fail to detect a nasal fracture, so the doctor may delay them for 1 to 4 days after the injury, or until the swelling has gone down. The nose is usually filled with cotton packing, and you may have to wear a splint over the top of your nose for protection during the healing process. If skin was scratched or torn during the accident, you may also have to get a tetanus shot.
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