Can you break your nose without it bleeding?

[cleo29]

C smacked into my nose really hard last night and I heard a distinct crunch when it happened. It is still very tender today and sometimes the pain goes up through to my forehead. At the very least, it is badly bruised.

[Deleted]

yes, it doesn't have to bleed to be broken.

any bruising under your eyes? is it hard to smell? (eta: breathe in, i'm a fucking idiot)

if it's really killing you by tuesday (swelling gets worse before it gets better), go to an urgent care and get an xray. they can't do much unless it's really displaced, but at least you may get some good pain meds out of it.

[cleo29]

Last night the breathing was more uncomfortable than today, now it is just really sore and achy. I didn't notice any bruising under my eyes, but I also have crazy circles going on right now. lol

[Deleted]

yeah, that sounds like the last time i broke my nose (i'm going on probably 4 or 5 times now). i smacked it on my way out of a car (two days before my wedding!!!!! YES, lol). thankfully not much bruising and no bleeding.

just wait it out until at least tomorrow. if it doesn't improve by then, go get the xray.

[luvvy]

Yes, it is possible. I've done it... twice.

[CheshireGrin]

Yep. But most of the time in the ER we don't even bother to xray suspected broken noses, unless there's a suspicion of other facial fractures or other significant injury. We just tell people to follow up with ENT in a few weeks. Knowing whether or not it's actually broken won't change the plan of care, so you might as well save the radiation.

Good luck! I hope it feels better soon!

[blueshirt2003]

That sounds painful. I hope you have relief soon!