Nose injury
Your nose may be swollen because of bad bruising or because it's broken.
The treatment is the same so an x-ray is not needed.
Will I need further treatment?
Most broken noses heal by themselves over a few weeks.
You may need a procedure to straighten the nose.
Is there anything I can do to help my nose to heal?
Hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen veg) wrapped in a tea towel on your nose for 15 minutes. Do this several times a day over the first few days after your injury.
Keep your head upright when lying in bed by adding more pillows – this will help to reduce the swelling.
Don’t pick, or blow your nose until it’s healed.
If you are in pain, take paracetamol and/or ibuprofen tablets.
Don’t play sports for at least 6 weeks.
What should I do if my nose starts bleeding?
- You should sit up and lean forward. This will make the blood less likely to go down into your stomach.
- You should pinch your nose hard above the nostrils on the soft part of your nose for 10 minutes.
- You should not release the pressure.
- If it is still bleeding pinch your nose again for 10 minutes.
- You should not try to plug your nose with cotton wool or tissue.
When should I go back to the Emergency Department?
You should return if you have a nose bleed that continues for longer than 20 minutes.
Allow a few days for the swelling to improve.
Please come back to the hospital if:
- you're concerned that your nose isn't straight
- you can't breathe easily through your nose
- the swelling isn't improving
Reviewed by Dr Ben Crapper in October 2022, next review in October 2024.
If you need this information in an alternative format, please contact the Patient Experience and Engagement Team on 01226 434922.
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