What is nose injuries?

Caring for a minor nose injury

• Reduce pain, swelling, and bruising.
  • Use ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or have less swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. Always keep a cloth between your skin and the ice pack. Press firmly against all the curves of the affected area. Do not apply ice for longer than 20 minutes at a time. And don't fall asleep with the ice on your skin.
  • Keep your head elevated, even while you sleep. This will help reduce swelling.
  • Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or aspirin for the first 48 hours. Aspirin makes your blood take longer to clot, and it may cause more nose or facial bleeding. Also, do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.
• Do not smoke.

  Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.

• Relieve a stuffy nose, and help your sinuses drain.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Extra fluids help keep mucus thin and draining, which may help prevent blocked sinuses.
  • Try a nonprescription decongestant, such as Sudafed PE, or use saline nasal sprays or drops to relieve a stuffy nose.
  • Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home moist. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. You may want to try using a small one in your bedroom while you sleep.
  • Inhale steam from a vaporizer, or take long, steamy showers. You may also try breathing the moist air from a bowl of hot water. Put a towel over your head and the bowl to trap the moist air.