My nose is moving and making a sound..what do you think is wrong?

Question

Yesterday I got slammed really hard on the side of my nose with a soccer ball and it hurt bad enough to cry and go numb. It didn't bleed but now it's very sensitive and it can move from side to side and makes a popping sound when I move it. It also hurts pretty badly when I move it and it hurts all around my nose. There's no bruising around my eyes and it doesn't appear to be swollen.. What do you think happened?

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is possible that you have a fracture of your nose.  If there is any change in the shape of your nose then you should have an examination.  There are may possibilities, you could have a fracture of the nasal septum or nasal bones.  If you have a fracture and require a surgical correction then it would be best to be diagnosed and have it treated within the first two weeks.

Paul S. Howard, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have dislocated the upper lateral cartilage of your nose from the nasal bone on one side. A small amount of swelling will camouflage the problem but it eventually becomes noticeable as a depression in the middle third of your nose on the effected side. If it becomes a problem see a Plastic surgeon, the repair in usually straight forward.

George C. Peck, Jr, MD · Answer

The nasal trauma may have moved your septum from the attachment to the vomer bone, or you fractured the septum allowing it to move back and forth. In general, if your nose looks straight and you can breath, you are most likely fine. You should have an internal evaluation of the nose to assure the findings and rule out a septal hematoma.Best wishes

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I would consult an ENT specialist as soon as possible if your symptoms include nose blockage as it can be something serious.

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

With what you describe, I am surprised that the injury to your nose did not cause a nosebleed.  It sounds as though you either broken your nose or dislocated one or more of the cartilages without tearing the internal lining (a relatively under usual recurrence).  Once the swelling from the initial injury goes down, usually 5-10 days, you may need to have the nose set in order to prevent later problems.  Make an appointment to see a plastic surgeon the first of next week and make certain that they understand that you may need, within a few days of that appointment, to have the nose set.  In the meantime, do not push on the nose to see if it still pops or moves.  Frequently the tissues will, on their own, go back to a relatively normal position if you do not continue to move them.

My nose is moving and making a sound..what do you think is wrong?

Answers (5)

Answer: Possible Nose Injury

Answer: Possible Nose Injury

Answer: Nasal Movement and Popping Following Trauma

Answer: Nasal Movement and Popping Following Trauma

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My nose is moving and making a sound..what do you think is wrong?

Answers (5)

Answer: Possible Nose Injury

Answer: Possible Nose Injury

Answer: Nasal Movement and Popping Following Trauma

Answer: Nasal Movement and Popping Following Trauma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.