Anyone, at any time, can experience nasal trauma. Children suffer this type of strain quite often as they are more active than adults. Trauma to the nose, both inside and outside of the body, can be painful, however, it can be corrected. Before calling a Rhinoplasty specialist, here are the common causes and consequences of nasal trauma.
Common Causes of Nasal Trauma
There are many different reasons why someone would suffer nasal trauma. The most likely reason for external nasal trauma is because the nose was bumped, as with a fall. But it could also be injured through sports, fistfights, and physical abuse, or in a car or other accidents.
Internal nasal trauma is slightly different. It can be caused by excessive scratching or picking the inside of the nose. Irritation and damage can result from inhaling certain substances, on purpose or by accident. This would include street drugs and aerosols.
There are also dangers with piercings and foreign objects in the nose that can cause infection as well as damage. Because they often stick small objects up their nose, small children land in the emergency room to have the items removed. This can also cause lasting nasal trauma.
Symptoms of Nasal Trauma
There is a long list of symptoms one can experience nasal trauma, and every person is different. Not everyone will experience each of these indicators of trauma. If you do have any of these symptoms and they are persistent, or painful, seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms include:
Bruising around the eyes
Swelling around the nose and under eyes
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Loss of smell
Pain inside the nose
Clear discharge coming from inside the nose
Blood coming from inside the nose
Lasting Damage From Nasal Trauma
The majority of trauma to the nasal cavity can be corrected and will not have any lasting effects on the injured person. There are rare incidences, depending on the damage, that can cause lasting trauma. This may include fractures of the nasal cavity. The bones that attach the nose to the skull can be damaged which could lead to cerebrospinal fluid leaking. With this type of injury, bacteria from the nose could possibly reach the spinal cord or brain causing meningitis.
Another rare condition that could be a result of nasal trauma is Septal Hematoma. This is when a blood clot forms within the nose and could cause the cartilage within the nose to die. Collapsed nose or deformation could be the result of this type of untreated injury.
Preventing Nasal Trauma
Preventing nasal trauma is simple and starts with taking care not to abuse your nose, by not using drugs, not smoking, and not picking or scratching your nose. You also need to be careful when engaging in sports, and exercises. Wear proper protective gear such as helmets, face shields, and goggles. Always use seatbelts in the car or other moving vehicles, and if possible, protect your nose and face if you see an accident about to happen to you.
