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Does a broken nose hurt?

2 replies

BlueCanary · 20/08/2012 14:45

DD (6yo) tripped over running down a hill last wednesday, and really went flying. She didn't lose consciousness or anything, didn't seem to bump her head, and it was mostly just bumps and grazes - looked worse than it was, and after a good cry she was fine.

However quite a bit of the 'impact' (evidenced by the bumps and grazes) was to her mouth and nose. She had a bit of a swollen lip, a slightly swollen nose and scratches all over her nose, chin and upper lip. She generally looked like she'd gone 10 rounds in a boxing ring!

It did occur to me at the time that she may have broken her nose, but after asking DD repeatedly if her nose hurt (she is a total drama queen, and not shy about announcing her many injuries to anyone who will listen Grin), I thought that it seemed fine. There was no pain, no black eyes, just a bit of swelling and a few scratches.

Nearly week later, the scratches are more or less gone, but her nose still looks swollen. She is still adament that it doens' hurt one bit, and has given it a good old poke and prod to prove her point. However I'm concerned that it still looks swollen. Also the bridge/top of her nose (more or less where glasses sit) seems quite wide. She is a bit 'snubby' nosed anyway, with a fairly non-existant bridge (in comparison with DS's aqualine nose!), and DH reckons she has always had a wide nose!!!

So, sorry for going on, but just wondering whether a broken nose would be painful, or whether it was possible for it to be broken and not hurt a bit?? I can't get a GP appt for a week as they are so low staffed with holidays, and don't know whether I should hang on for the GP appt, forget about it, or rush her to A&E!!!!

OP posts:
crashdoll · 20/08/2012 18:56

I broke and dislocated my nose earlier this year. It hurt when I hit it but not really afterwards. It was completely out of shape though. I had it re-set under anaesthetic and the consultant told me they only have limited time to reduce the fracture/disclocation. I was told 2 weeks but perhaps some places allow a little longer. Failing that, I would have had a permanently wonky nose and breathing issues. Can you pop down to a minor injuries clinic?

BlueCanary · 20/08/2012 19:26

Hmmmmmm......Thanks crashdoll . It isn't out of shape at all (other than a bit 'wider' from the swelling at the very top), and she has no breathing issues, but I think I will try to get it checked out just in case. I asked my DMum what she thought this afternoon, and she said she hadn't noticed anything different, but when she gave a close look she did agree that there was a bit of swelling, and wasn't sure.

I think I'll try to get her to the GP in the next day or two, just to put our minds at rest. Apparently if I phone first thing tomorrow, I should get an appt for tuesday or wednesday morning.

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