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Broken nose

Also called: Broken nose, nasal fracture

A break in the nose bone or cartilage after a hit, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes a crooked nose. Swelling goes down in days; a crooked nose can be fixed within 1 to 2 weeks.

Fix windowWithin 1 to 2 weeks
Watch forSeptal hematoma

Overview

Blood clot inside the septum needs draining fast.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Nose pain and swelling after a hit
  • Hit in the nose, or a crooked nose after an injury

Less common

  • Nosebleed
  • Crooked nose

When to get medical care

Call 911Trouble breathing, clear fluid from nose, or neck pain.
Get care todayBleeding that won't stop or a swollen bump inside the nose.
See a doctor soonCrooked nose.

Causes

Injury.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Sports

Diagnosis

A clinician examines.

Treatment

Cold and raise.

Self-care

  • Cold pack
  • Keep head up
  • Pinch for nosebleeds

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Pain and swellingAsk first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Urgent care or the ER can treat it first. For minor problems, your primary care provider can help.
  • They may send you to an ENT doctor (ear, nose, and throat doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • School or desk work is often OK within days. Jobs with lifting may need light duty for a while.
  • Go back to sports only when your doctor says it's OK and you have full motion and strength without pain.

Outlook

Heals.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Broken nose

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.