Broken nose symptoms include pain and swelling in the nose and face; bruising, especially around the nose and eyes; discharge of blood and mucus from the nose; labored breathing; and nose sprain. These are often accompanied by other symptoms that can be quite painful; Bruising and swelling are likely to occur quickly, and if this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately to avoid excessive bleeding, permanent damage to the appearance of the nose, and other complications that can arise from broken nose symptoms. Headaches are likely to follow a broken nose, and if these headaches persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
When a broken nose occurs, symptoms are likely to show up almost immediately. Blood can ooze from the nose and it can be extremely difficult to stop the bleeding. The nose may appear crooked or misshapen, and the nose and surrounding area will quickly begin to swell. Some people will show bruising around the nose and under the eyes right away, although this bruising may occur later in some people or not in others, depending on the severity of the injury. Mucus may also begin to drip from the nose, and the injured person may have difficulty breathing through the nose.
Many of the broken nose symptoms listed are indicative of a very serious break, and some minor breaks may only exhibit some or none of these symptoms. Some minor symptoms of a broken nose can include pain and tenderness in the nose area, while others can cause bleeding, swelling, and bruising. If the headaches persist or the bleeding cannot be stopped, emergency medical attention is needed. Some cases of broken nose require little or no treatment, while others may be indicative of more serious conditions. If a patient with a broken nose loses consciousness, medical attention should be sought immediately.
It may be necessary to see a doctor if one cannot breathe normally through the nose after several days of healing. This may be indicative of a more serious problem, and although this problem may not be life-threatening, it can have a lasting impact on the patient's quality of life. If the nose is crooked or misshapen as a result of the break, it is important to seek medical attention quickly to allow doctors the opportunity to examine it and straighten the nose before permanent damage is done. Nose correction should only be done by a doctor, as it can worsen the injury if not done correctly.