Hit nose on the bridge. What can I take to reduce the swelling?

Question

Today I hit my nose on a marble counter top and I heard a crunching sound, and the place where the bone meets the cartilage is swollen and is noticeable. Is there anything I can do to reduce this swelling as soon as possible? Anything I can take? This is the first time I've ever hurt my nose before so I'm really worried the bump will become permanent!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you get an examination by a rhinoplasty surgeon.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

John Bitner, MD · Answer

I would recommend you ice your nose for the first 24 hours , sleep with your head slightly elevated in bed and don't take any aspirin.  Once the swelling as started to go down, go see someone who treats nasal injuries, Facial Plastic Surgeon or ENT would probably be the best place to start.  Wait until the swelling has started to come down, but don't wait longer than a week.  If you go in too early, it's hard to tell what has happened to the cartilage and bone beneath the swelling, so you'd just have to come back later.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear KendalAnne,I agree with the other docs and that you should see a specialist sooner than laterIf you catch it early, and there is a nasal fracture, it can be fixed pretty easilyUse ice and arnica (natural homeopathic medicine) to bring the swelling downBest,Nima Shemirani

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Immediately after the injury, you can apply ice and pressure to help with the swelling. It's important to seek out an ENT/ facial plastic surgeon to document any extent of the fracture, which includes examination and x-rays. It is also important to make sure there is not a septal hematoma present. For many examples of broken nose repair in our practice, please see the link below

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The best option is to ice as much as possible for the next three days. You can take Ibuprofen or Tylenol for the pain but this likely will not affect your swelling at all. Many swear by Arnica montana for these injuries as well. If you feel that your nose has shifted you should also seek a consultation to have your nose evaluated. If your nose is broken and has shifted to one side or become twisted it can usually be repaired with a closed reduction in the first two weeks following injury. This is far less invasive than a rhinoplasty which is usually required for fractures that re-heal after injury. Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hit nose on the bridge. What can I take to reduce the swelling?

Answers (5)

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