8 Common Broken Nose Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

A broken nose, medically known as a nasal fracture, is one of the most common facial injuries. It occurs when one or more of the bones in your nose crack or break, usually as a result of trauma to the face. The nose is particularly vulnerable to injury because of its prominent position on the face. Recognizing the symptoms of a broken nose is crucial for seeking timely medical attention and preventing potential complications such as breathing problems or permanent deformity.

While some nasal fractures are immediately obvious, others may be more subtle. Understanding the signs and symptoms can help you determine whether you need emergency medical care or if a scheduled visit to your doctor will suffice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common symptoms of a broken nose, their underlying causes, and important prevention strategies.

1. Sudden and Severe Pain

The most immediate and noticeable symptom of a broken nose is sudden, intense pain that occurs at the moment of impact. This pain typically centers around the nose and the surrounding facial area, though it may radiate to other parts of the face.

The severity of pain can vary depending on the extent of the fracture. A simple crack may cause moderate discomfort, while a severely displaced fracture can result in excruciating pain. The pain often worsens when you touch your nose or try to move it. Even gentle pressure or accidentally bumping the injured area can trigger sharp, stabbing sensations.

In the hours following the injury, the pain may intensify due to swelling and inflammation. Some people describe the sensation as a constant throbbing or aching that makes it difficult to concentrate on daily activities. The pain may also make it uncomfortable to lie down flat, as this position can increase pressure in the nasal area.

2. Swelling of the Nose and Surrounding Area

Swelling is one of the most prominent symptoms of a broken nose and typically develops within minutes to hours after the injury. The nose itself will appear noticeably larger and puffier than normal, and this swelling often extends to the cheeks and the area around the eyes.

The swelling occurs as your body’s natural inflammatory response to injury. Blood and other fluids rush to the injured area to begin the healing process, causing the tissues to expand. In many cases, the swelling can be so severe that it obscures any visible deformity of the nose, making it difficult to assess the full extent of the injury immediately after it occurs.

The swelling typically peaks within 2-3 days after the injury and then gradually subsides over the following week or two. However, it’s important to note that significant swelling can sometimes mask a nasal deformity initially, which may only become apparent once the swelling decreases. This is why doctors often recommend waiting a few days before assessing whether the nose needs to be realigned.

3. Bruising Around the Nose and Eyes

Bruising, also known as ecchymosis, is another telltale sign of a broken nose. The bruising typically appears as dark purple, blue, or black discoloration around the nose, cheeks, and eyes. The classic “black eye” or “raccoon eyes” appearance is particularly common with nasal fractures.

This bruising occurs when blood vessels beneath the skin rupture due to the trauma, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. The discoloration may not appear immediately; it often develops gradually over the first 24-48 hours after the injury. As the bruise heals, it will typically change colors, progressing through shades of purple, green, yellow, and brown before finally fading.

The extent and pattern of bruising can provide clues about the severity of the fracture. More severe breaks tend to produce more extensive bruising. Bilateral periorbital ecchymosis (bruising around both eyes) without direct trauma to the eye area strongly suggests a nasal fracture and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.

4. Nosebleeds

Bleeding from the nose, or epistaxis, is an extremely common symptom of a nasal fracture. The bleeding may begin immediately after the injury or may occur intermittently over the following hours or days. In most cases, the bleeding comes from one or both nostrils, though blood may also drain down the back of the throat.

The nasal cavity is rich with blood vessels, particularly in the area known as Kiesselbach’s plexus, located in the front part of the nasal septum. When the nose breaks, these delicate vessels are often damaged, resulting in bleeding. The amount of bleeding can range from minor spotting to profuse hemorrhage, depending on which blood vessels are affected and the severity of the fracture.

While initial bleeding is expected with a broken nose, you should seek immediate medical attention if the bleeding is severe, doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of applied pressure, or if you’re having difficulty breathing due to blood accumulation. Persistent or recurrent nosebleeds in the days following the injury may also indicate ongoing problems that require medical evaluation.

5. Difficulty Breathing Through the Nose

Many people with a broken nose experience difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. This symptom can manifest immediately after the injury or may develop gradually as swelling increases. Nasal breathing difficulty is one of the most troubling symptoms for patients, as it can affect sleep, eating, and overall quality of life.

Several factors can contribute to breathing problems after a nasal fracture. Swelling of the nasal tissues can narrow or completely block the nasal passages. Blood clots may accumulate in the nostrils, creating physical obstructions. If the nasal bones are displaced, they may narrow the airway. Additionally, a deviated septum (the wall between the nostrils) resulting from the fracture can significantly impair airflow.

It’s important to distinguish between temporary breathing difficulties caused by swelling and blood, which will resolve as you heal, and permanent structural changes that may require medical intervention. If breathing problems persist after the swelling has subsided (usually after 7-10 days), you should consult with a healthcare provider to assess whether surgical correction might be necessary.

6. Visible Deformity or Crooked Appearance

A visibly crooked, bent, or otherwise deformed nose is a clear indication of a fracture. The nose may appear to be pushed to one side, have a new bump or depression, or look generally asymmetrical compared to its appearance before the injury. This deformity occurs when the nasal bones are displaced from their normal position.

However, it’s important to note that visible deformity may not always be immediately apparent. Severe swelling can temporarily hide the true alignment of the nasal bones. As mentioned earlier, the full extent of any deformity often becomes more evident once the initial swelling subsides, typically 3-7 days after the injury.

Even if you don’t notice an obvious deformity immediately after the injury, you should still seek medical evaluation if you suspect a broken nose. Some fractures may cause internal damage or subtle changes in nasal structure that aren’t immediately visible but could lead to long-term problems with breathing or appearance. Early medical assessment allows for timely intervention if realignment is needed, which is typically easier to perform within the first 2 weeks after injury.

7. Tenderness When Touching the Nose

Extreme tenderness or sensitivity when touching or applying pressure to the nose is a hallmark symptom of a nasal fracture. Even the lightest touch may cause significant discomfort or sharp pain. This tenderness typically centers over the bridge of the nose but may extend to the entire nasal structure and the surrounding facial bones.

The tenderness results from damage to the bone, cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues. When you touch a broken nose, you’re essentially putting pressure on fractured bone fragments and inflamed tissues, which triggers pain signals. This protective response helps discourage further contact with the injured area, allowing it to heal.

During a medical examination, your doctor will carefully palpate (feel) your nose to locate areas of maximum tenderness, assess for crepitus (a crackling sensation that indicates bone fragments moving against each other), and evaluate the stability of the nasal structure. While this examination can be uncomfortable, it provides crucial information about the nature and extent of the fracture.

8. Crackling Sound or Sensation

Some people with a broken nose report hearing or feeling a crackling, grinding, or crunching sensation, known medically as crepitus. This unusual symptom can occur at the moment of injury or when touching the nose afterward. The sound and sensation can be quite disturbing for patients experiencing it.

Crepitus occurs when fractured bone fragments rub against each other or when air becomes trapped in the tissues under the skin (a condition called subcutaneous emphysema). The latter can happen if the fracture creates an opening that allows air from the nasal cavity to escape into the surrounding tissues. When you touch the area, you may feel a distinctive crackling sensation similar to crushing bubble wrap.

The presence of crepitus is a strong indicator of a fracture and warrants immediate medical attention. If you experience this symptom along with other signs of a broken nose, don’t attempt to manipulate or “test” your nose further, as this could worsen the injury or displace bone fragments. Instead, protect the area and seek professional medical evaluation as soon as possible.

Main Causes of a Broken Nose

Understanding what causes nasal fractures can help you recognize risk situations and take appropriate precautions. Here are the most common causes:

Contact Sports: Sports such as football, hockey, rugby, boxing, martial arts, and basketball are frequent culprits. Direct blows to the face from balls, equipment, or other players can easily fracture the nose.

Physical Altercations: Fights and assaults are common causes of facial injuries, including broken noses. Punches to the face account for a significant percentage of nasal fractures, particularly in adults.

Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents can cause facial trauma when the nose strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, windshield, or pavement. Even with airbags, the force of impact can be sufficient to break nasal bones.

Falls: Falling and striking your face against the ground or another hard surface is especially common in young children, elderly individuals, and people participating in activities like skating, skiing, or climbing.

Workplace Injuries: Certain occupations carry higher risks of facial trauma, including construction work, law enforcement, and jobs involving heavy machinery or equipment.

Recreational Activities: Activities beyond organized sports, such as horseback riding, skateboarding, or even rough play, can result in nasal fractures.

Walking into Objects: Simply walking into a wall, door, or other stationary object—especially in dim lighting or when distracted—can cause enough impact to break the nose.

Prevention Strategies

While it’s impossible to prevent all nasal injuries, you can significantly reduce your risk by following these preventive measures:

Wear Protective Gear: If you participate in contact sports or high-risk activities, always wear appropriate protective equipment. This includes face guards, helmets with face protection, or sport-specific masks designed to shield your nose and face from impact. Don’t skip this equipment, even during practice sessions.

Use Seatbelts: Always wear your seatbelt when riding in a vehicle, and ensure that children are properly secured in age-appropriate car seats. Position headrests correctly to minimize the risk of face-first impact in case of sudden stops or collisions.

Fall-Proof Your Home: Reduce fall risks in your living environment by keeping walkways clear of clutter, using non-slip mats in bathrooms, ensuring adequate lighting in all areas, securing loose rugs, and installing handrails on stairs. These precautions are especially important for young children and older adults.

Practice Situational Awareness: Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or when walking through unfamiliar spaces. Avoid using your phone or other distractions when walking, particularly near obstacles or in areas where sports activities are taking place.

Learn Proper Technique: If you participate in sports or martial arts, ensure you’re properly trained in defensive techniques and proper form. Many sports injuries result from improper technique or inadequate training.

Install Safety Features: Consider adding safety measures to your home, such as corner guards on sharp furniture edges, safety gates for stairs, and cushioned mats in play areas for children.

Avoid Altercations: Whenever possible, remove yourself from situations that could escalate to physical violence. Learning conflict resolution skills and knowing when to walk away can prevent many facial injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my nose is broken or just bruised?

A broken nose typically involves severe pain at the moment of impact, visible deformity or crookedness, difficulty breathing through the nose, and sometimes a crackling sensation when touched. A bruised nose will be painful and may swell and discolor, but usually won’t show deformity or cause significant breathing difficulties. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to seek medical evaluation, as some fractures aren’t immediately obvious.

Can a broken nose heal on its own without treatment?

While the bones in a broken nose will eventually heal on their own, healing without medical intervention may result in a permanently crooked nose, chronic breathing difficulties, or other complications. If the bones are displaced, they may heal in the wrong position. Medical evaluation is important to determine if realignment is necessary for optimal healing and function.

When should I seek emergency care for a broken nose?

Seek immediate emergency care if you experience severe bleeding that doesn’t stop after 20 minutes of applied pressure, difficulty breathing, severe headache, loss of consciousness, clear fluid draining from the nose (which could indicate a skull fracture), vision changes, or if the nose appears severely deformed. These symptoms could indicate serious complications requiring urgent attention.

How long does it take for a broken nose to heal?

A broken nose typically takes about 3 weeks for the bones to heal sufficiently, though complete healing may take 4-6 weeks or longer. Swelling and bruising usually subside within 2-3 weeks. However, the timeline can vary depending on the severity of the fracture and whether any complications occur. Following your doctor’s instructions is crucial for proper healing.

Will my nose look the same after it heals?

If the fracture is minor and the bones remain in proper alignment, your nose will likely look the same after healing. However, if the bones are significantly displaced and not realigned, you may notice permanent changes in the shape of your nose. This is why seeking prompt medical evaluation is important—doctors can often realign the bones within the first 10-14 days after injury, improving the cosmetic outcome.

What is the difference between a broken nose and a deviated septum?

A broken nose refers to a fracture of the nasal bones, while a deviated septum involves displacement of the cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity. However, these two conditions are related—a nasal fracture can cause or worsen a deviated septum. Some people have a deviated septum from birth or previous injury, while others develop it as a result of a broken nose.

Can children’s broken noses heal differently than adults’?

Children’s bones heal faster than adults’ bones, and their nasal structures are still growing and developing. While this means quicker healing times, it also means that improperly healed fractures could affect future nasal development. Any suspected nasal fracture in a child should be evaluated by a pediatric specialist to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of growth disturbances.

Is it normal to have a fever with a broken nose?

A low-grade fever shortly after the injury can occur as part of your body’s inflammatory response. However, a high fever or one that develops several days after the injury could indicate an infection or other complication and requires immediate medical attention. Never ignore fever accompanied by increased pain, swelling, or discharge from the nose.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Broken Nose
• NHS – Broken Nose
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Nasal Fracture
• WebMD – Broken Nose
• MedlinePlus – Nasal Fracture