How to Care for Your Child with a Soft tissue Nose Injury

Soft tissue nose injuries are usually caused by blunt force from:

• Falls
• Road traffic accidents
• Contact sports like football, rugby, etc.
• Being hit by objects
• Being punched or kicked
• Other similar incidents

Nose injuries may seem worse than they are. Common symptoms are:

• Pain and Swelling
• Nosebleed
• Trouble breathing through the nose

• Your child’s doctor can usually diagnose the injury by examining your child’s nose.
• An X-ray is rarely needed.

• These injuries usually heal on their own, even if the nose appears mis-shaped.
• If your child’s doctor advises to give medicine, you can give Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand), while considering the following:
  • Follow the dosage instructions on the medicine package.
  • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious issues.

• Let your child rest for the next couple of days.
• Keep your child’s head raised a bit while sleeping (use pillows or raise the bed’s head).
• Apply a cold pack to the nose for a few minutes many times on the first day to reduce swelling.
• Avoid the following:
  • Exercise
  • Straining or exerting yourself
  • Lifting heavy weights
  • Blowing the nose
  • Hot food & drink
  • Repeatedly touching or dabbing the nose

Let the school know about the injury. Your child may need to skip some activities to fully heal.

If, after 5-7 days:

• The swelling hasn’t gone down
• Your child still can’t breathe normally through the nose
• The nose still looks crooked

• Has a nosebleed that you can’t stop at home.