Last week I fell off a mechanical bull and kneed myself in the nose. It bled for 15 minutes and I was in a lot of pain but I didn't have any crookedness or visible deformity. I had some mild swelling but no bruising or problems breathing so I did not see a doctor. The pain is much better (though the bridge area is still tender to the touch) but two days ago I noticed that whenever I touch the tip or bridge of my nose there is a cracking noise/sensation. Should I get it checked out?
Answer: Should I See a Doctor if my Nose Makes a Cracking Sound One Week After an Injury? The rationale for evaluation by a reputable ENT is to ensure you do not have a septal hematoma - a collection of blood within your nasal septum that can lead to cartilage loss if it's not drained. If your nose looks and breathes well, there may be nothing to do. The cracking sensation may be permanent. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph
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Answer: Should I See a Doctor if my Nose Makes a Cracking Sound One Week After an Injury? The rationale for evaluation by a reputable ENT is to ensure you do not have a septal hematoma - a collection of blood within your nasal septum that can lead to cartilage loss if it's not drained. If your nose looks and breathes well, there may be nothing to do. The cracking sensation may be permanent. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph
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August 21, 2015
Answer: Schedule an Appointment With a Board Certified Doctor You should always schedule a visit with a board
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August 21, 2015
Answer: Schedule an Appointment With a Board Certified Doctor You should always schedule a visit with a board
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October 15, 2013
Answer: Should I See a Doctor if my Nose Makes a Cracking Sound One Week After an Injury?
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October 15, 2013
Answer: Should I See a Doctor if my Nose Makes a Cracking Sound One Week After an Injury?
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September 21, 2013
Answer: Did I break my nose?
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September 21, 2013
Answer: Did I break my nose?
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Answer: There could be something wrong, though a lot of people can hear that noise Great question. Typically after someone hits his or her nose, if it breaks it typically bleeds a lot from inside the nose, which sounds like what you are describing. However, we typically only do anything to fix it if the nose appears deviated or you are having new difficulty breathing. Regardless of those symptoms, if you have a septal hematoma, it is good to drain it to avoid it from causing infection or leaving a septal perforation long-term. The cracking sound you are describing could be secondary to the injury or could be normal. If I grab my own nose and move the tip from side to side, I hear what could be described as a "cracking" noise, and it's just the cartilages moving against each other. Either way in your case it's safest to get it checked out, and it should be checked out within the first week of injury, because if you need surgery, you only have 2 weeks or so from the injury date to get it done. Good luck!
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Answer: There could be something wrong, though a lot of people can hear that noise Great question. Typically after someone hits his or her nose, if it breaks it typically bleeds a lot from inside the nose, which sounds like what you are describing. However, we typically only do anything to fix it if the nose appears deviated or you are having new difficulty breathing. Regardless of those symptoms, if you have a septal hematoma, it is good to drain it to avoid it from causing infection or leaving a septal perforation long-term. The cracking sound you are describing could be secondary to the injury or could be normal. If I grab my own nose and move the tip from side to side, I hear what could be described as a "cracking" noise, and it's just the cartilages moving against each other. Either way in your case it's safest to get it checked out, and it should be checked out within the first week of injury, because if you need surgery, you only have 2 weeks or so from the injury date to get it done. Good luck!
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