Broken Nose

Broken Nose

Advice to Patients with a Suspected Broken Nose

When your nose is injured, it often swells and the injury can look much worse than it really is. In the past, all these injuries were x-rayed. Nowadays, we think that these x-rays are not necessary.
Often, once the swelling goes down no further treatment is required.

The following points may be of help to you:

• Do not blow your nose hard – it might start to bleed.
• If your nose does start to bleed – sit up and lean forwards over a bowl.
• DO NOT tilt your head back
• DO NOT swallow the blood

Pinch the soft part of your nose for 10 minutes.

Hold an ice pack to the top of your nose and your forehead – or suck an ice cube. If bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes of continuous pressure, return to the hospital.

Cold packs (e.g. packs of frozen peas in a wet towel) applied for 10 minutes 3 or 4 times a day will speed recovery- effective for the first 24 hours only.

If pain relief is required, paracetamol or ibuprofen are effective, especially if taken regularly (both are available from the chemist). Do not exceed the maximum daily dose.

If you need further advice, please contact the Accident & Emergency Department – details below

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net
Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.
If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

For additional medical advice, if your symptoms or condition worsens:
Contact your GP
NHS 111: Telephone 111
Get help with your symptoms, NHS111: https://111.nhs.uk/
Information to help you manage your health: www.nhs.uk
In an emergency telephone 999

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