What to do next?
Your child may have sustained a nasal fracture. Here is what to look out for, and when and how to book an appointment with our ENT team if required.
What you should do now:
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth
- Use appropriate pain relief (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen)
- For nosebleeds: pinch the soft part of the nose, lean forward and hold for 10 minutes
- Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports for at least 2 weeks
WHEN TO SEEK URGENT HELP!
- Persistent nosebleed not stopping after 15 minutes despite first aid measures
- Clear, watery fluid leaking from the nose
- Severe headache, eye pain, or vision problems
- If you experience any of these symptoms, please go to your nearest Emergency Department
Once the swelling goes down (can take up to 3 days), these are signs you may have a nasal fracture:
- A crooked or “wonky” nose
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
How to book an appointment with ENT:
Step 1: Email the administrative team or call
In your email, include:
SUBJECT: Suspected nasal fracture
Your child’s full name
Date of birth
A contact phone number
Date of injury
Brief description of how the injury occurred and your child’s current symptoms
Step 2: Appointment Confirmation
Once we receive your details, the ENT team will review your referral. If an appointment is required, we will contact you with a dated and time, usually within 1-2 working days, by telephone or text message.
Please try to attend the first appointment offered, as nasal fractures need to be reviewed within a short time frame for best management.
Important: Timing Matters
We recommend review by ENT within one week of injury for optimal treatment options. After 2 weeks, the bones begin to set and moving them back into place may no longer be possible.
EDU staff can supply books and toys to patients whilst they are in EDU.
Each bed space has a television. Please consider other patients in ED, particularly those in the next bed space, by keeping the TV sound levels low.
What may happen at your ENT appointment:
- Examination of your nose inside and out
- If a nasal fracture is confirmed, treatment options will be discussed. Depending on the injury and the child’s age, this may be performed in clinic with local anesthetic or as a short procedure under general anesthetic.
- Advice on healing, pain relief, and precautions
Key points:
- Early review helps to decide on best treatment options
- Please see the section above for symptoms that need urgent medical attention.
- Book with ENT for breathing problems or persistent appearance concerns
Virtual Map
Take a look around Alder Hey before your appointment or visit with our 360° virtual map.
Virtual MapThis leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Alder Hey
Eaton Road
Liverpool
L12 2AP
© Alder Hey PIAG: 624