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A nasal fracture refers to a cracked or damaged bone in the nose, often affecting the bone over the bridge of the nose. Causes of a broken nose may include contact sports, physical fights, falls, motor vehicle accidents and any other facial trauma. A fractured nose can cause severe pain, with swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes. It may also cause the nose to appear crooked, hindering the ability to breathe.

Treatment for nasal fractures may include procedures that are aimed at realigning the nose, as surgery usually isn’t necessary for a broken nose. Signs and symptoms of nasal fractures include:

• · Pain or tenderness, especially when touching your nose
• · Swelling of your nose and surrounding areas
• · Bleeding from your nose
• · Bruising around your nose or eyes
• · Crooked or misshapen nose
• · Difficulty breathing through your nose
• · Discharge of mucus from your nose
• · Feeling that one or both of your nasal passages are blocked

It is crucial to seek medical assistance when you are experiencing a nosebleed that is accompanied by the following:

• · A head or neck injury, which may be marked by severe headache, neck pain, vomiting or loss of consciousness
• · Difficulty breathing
• · Bleeding you can't stop
• · A noticeable change in the shape of your nose that isn't related to swelling, such as a crooked or twisted appearance
• · Clear, watery fluid draining from your nose

Any activity that increases your risk of a facial injury increases your risk of a broken nose. Such activities may include:

• · Playing contact sports, such as football and hockey, especially without a helmet that has a face mask
• · Engaging in a physical fight
• · Riding a bicycle
• · Lifting weights, especially if you don't use a spotter
• · Riding in a motor vehicle, especially without a seat belt