A broken nose usually heals on its own within 3 weeks. Get medical help if it’s not getting better or your nose has changed shape.

Check if it is a broken nose. Symptoms may include:

  • Pain, swelling and redness
  • A crunching or crackling sound when you touch your nose
  • Difficulty breathing out of your nose – it might feel blocked
  • Your nose changing shape – for example, it isn’t as straight as before
  • You may also have bruising around the eyes (black eyes) or a cut on the bridge of the nose or a nosebleed.

How to treat a broken nose yourself

You can usually treat a broken nose yourself. It should start getting better within 3 days and be fully healed within 3 weeks.

Do
  • Hold an icepack or (frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel on your nose for up to 15 minutes, several times a day.
  • Take Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve the pain
  • Treat nosebleeds by sitting or standing upright and leaning forward – if possible, pinch your nose above the nostrils for up to 15 minutes
  • Keep your head upright when lying in bed by adding more pillows – this will help reduce swelling
  • Read how to treat minor cuts and grazes www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and grazes/ if you have a small cut on your nose.
Don’t
  • Try to straighten your nose yourself if it has changed shape – see a GP instead
  • Wear glasses until the swelling has gone down, unless you need them
  • Pick or blow your nose until it has healed
  • Do strenuous exercise for the first 2 weeks
  • Play sports where your face might be hit for at least 6 weeks.

For further information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/broken-nose/

If you need further advice you can telephone 111 for immediate advice.

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