Is It Normal to Tell a Person with Nasal Trauma and Obvious Broken Nose to Use a Netti Po? (photo)

Question

I had trauma to My nose and I heard the crack as IT happened. My nose on the right side now I can't breathe out of. It feels as if there is.something in there constantly rubbing against my nasal membranes inside my nose. I have been sneezing since the break. You can look at my nose and see an obvious indention where the trauma happened this is the same spot where I feel something rubbing internally. Dr suggested a netti pot?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

An internal exam of your nose could determine if the sensation you have is due to structural abnormality.  If this is the case, a rhinoplasty could be performed to correct the deformity.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the trauma you experienced to your nose. It is possible the trauma led to deviation of your septum. Your nose may have also collapsed in that area due to the trauma. Your doctor suggested a netti pot to relieve some of your symptms. However, this will not cure the problem. From what you describe, it is likely that surgery will be necessary to correct the issue you are experiencing. In general, trauma to the nose can lead to:
	
	1) Structural irregularities
	2) Functional irregularities
	3) Difficulty breathing

	I would recommend a consultation with a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon to help determine the exact nature of your issue and how it may be resolved. Look for board certification and fellowship training to help ensure you are in good hands. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck with fixing your issue.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You need to be examined by a plastic surgeon to determine what exactly is going on with your nose and if you might benefit from surgery to correct the problem. It looks to me that you are a good candidate for surgery, but you should wait a few months to allow all swelling to resolve.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When a nose is broken an internal deviation of the septum can occur, also known as a septal fracture. This can be also in association with a nasal fracture. Most of the time when someone is hit hard enough both the nose and the septum are fractured creating a breathing problem. A Neti Pot is simply used to irrigate the nose passageways in an attempt to clean out the nasal passageways, but will not improve the nasal fracture. Surgery is indicated to reduce the broken nose and a possible spreader graft will be placed on the concaved side where the upper lateral cartilage has been fractured inward.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you need surgical repair not a cleansing method. Best to seek in person evaluations from rhinoplasty surgeons.

Is It Normal to Tell a Person with Nasal Trauma and Obvious Broken Nose to Use a Netti Po? (photo)

Answers (5)