“Is it possible to experience nasal blockage after a slight blow to the nose?”
I got hit on my nose with force by a rubber ball. After this my nose feels heavy and is slightly swollen up. Could this mean an injury or septum deviation inside?
8 Answers
It is possible to deviate the septum in such a manner. That being said, it's more likely just reactive mucosa swelling from the trauma. If your nose looks different externally, see a nasal specialist ASAP for intervention. If the obstruction persists, you should seek medical attention.
Yes you will get swelling of the mucosas with decreased airflow in the nose
This could be anything from simply swelling from the trauma to nasal fracture to septal dislocation/deviation to – at worst – a septal hematoma. Depending on your symptoms and how long ago the injury, you may want to seek medical attention.
Yes. Some swelling is to be expected from a direct hit, even with a rubber ball. If there is bleeding or nasal blockage, then injury to the septum must be considered. The most serious issue would be a hematoma; if this is the case, the nose is usually quite tender to touch and there will be a fleshy looking mass inside the nostril. If this is the case, immediate consolation with a ENT specialist is warranted. Otherwise the septum could be fractured or displaced. There would probably be nasal obstruction that would persist and eventually need consultation, but this is not urgent like the hematoma.
Try ducking next time.
Try ducking next time.
Hi - if the blow was not enough to cause you to lose consciousness or to cause a nose bleed, it probably was not enough to cause a significant nasal bone fracture. The blow would have to have been directed to the centre of the nose in an upwards direction (or downwards and subsequently slighted flatten the bridge) to fracture a previously straight nasal septum. And again, a septal fracture usually causes bleeding. If there was blood afterwards then it is possible either the nasal bone fractured inward and narrowed a passage or the septum deviated to a side by buckling and is causing obstruction. Swelling of the nose might be from soft tissue injury from there the ball hit your nose, or in response to a fracture if it broke.
Could simply be swelling or could be a little more serious (broken/displaced cartilage, septal hematoma).
Yes it could. Give to about 5 days for the swelling to subside.
Yes. if any bruising, bleeding or asymmetry, see ENT for possible reduction. Could get some relief with Afrin 3-4 times a day.
