Accidents happen…and sometimes that accident comes in the form of a wallop to your child’s nose. But how do you know if your child has a broken nose? Maithilee Menezes, MD, a Washington University otolaryngologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital talks about three things to look for when your child injures their nose, including when they should see a pediatrician.
- A lack of visible swelling or bruising usually means there is no break. If it seems like it’s just a little bonk on the nose, it’s likely that the nose isn’t broken.
- If there is significant swelling or heavy bleeding, the nose might be broken. If your child’s nose is actively bleeding or it feels really swollen, a provider may recommend going to urgent care or the emergency department where they can get X-rays.
Nose injuries are very common and can sometimes look bad. If you’re concerned your child has a broken nose, call your pediatrician. Need help finding a pediatrician? We are here to help! Learn more about what factors to consider when choosing a pediatrician.
Shobha Bhaskar, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, who also sees patients at Children’s Hospital facilities at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and Progress West Healthcare.
