A bruised nose involves damage to the blood vessels beneath the skin. Once blood leaks from the damaged blood vessels and builds up beneath the skin, the skin surface appears discolored.
What are the usual causes?
A bruised nose is usually due to a direct injury to the nose from the following:
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Vehicular accidents
What are the indications?
The usual indications of a bruised nose include:
- Discoloration – there is a black or bluish discoloration of the skin. The appearance changes as the bruise heals. Generally, the bruise can last for up to 2 weeks.
- Pain – a minor strike to the nose can trigger discomfort
- Swelling – the nose might become swollen that can even radiate to the area around the eyes
- Bleeding – if the individual blows to the nose, it can result to bleeding from one or both nostrils
Management of a bruised nose
Right after the injury, the following steps must be started to lessen the swelling and bruising:
- Apply an ice pack on the site of injury around 10 minutes.
- An over-the-counter pain medication can be used for pain relief
- Instruct the individual to avoid blowing the nose for at least 48 hours
- Avoid beverages that dilate the blood vessels such as warm liquids or alcohol
- Avoid engaging in activities that can cause the rushing of blood to the head such as bending the head below the waist
- Get enough rest and avoid any rigorous activity.
- Avoid lifting more than a few pounds at a time since it can cause the pooling of blood around the nose and eyes.
- Elevate the head on pillows or cushions while sleeping to keep the head above the level of the heart
These measures are enough for a minor case of a bruised nose. The doctor might see the individual a week after the injury to assess the possibility if the nose has moved out of its normal shape.
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on a bruised nose is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to how the injury is treated, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.