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Got A Sucker Punch On Nose. Nose Gets Red And Swollen. Getting Breathing Difficulty. Will It Be Cured By Itself?

Posted on Wed, 10 Oct 2012

Question: Hi,

Two nights ago I got a sucker punch while fooling around to the nose. I iced it for awhile and went to sleep sitting up. I did not get a bloody nose from it. The right nostril is a bit swollen and there is a tad bruising/red marks over the middle/left side of the nose, higher up. No black eyes. Yesterday it was difficult to breath through the nose. Yesterday morning and last night I again iced it and took motrin a couple times throughout the day. Last night I slept sleeping upright again. This morning it is still a bit inflamed on the left side. I can't breath out of my left nostril very well at all, there is a lot of congestion there. my right nostril is fine and easy to breath out of. Do you think that I should see a doctor or wait before going, see if the swelling goes down and I'll be able to breath again. My nose isn't crooked and it doesn't hurt to move/touch it other than touching the bruise. Is this a problem that will fix itself or do I need a doctor to intervene?

Thanks so much for your help, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (32 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for the query

After going through your description carefully, I do feel you could be having a hematoma (collection of blood) in the nasal septum.

Nasal block following injury to the nose could be due to 2 reasons:
1. The hematoma in the sub-mucosal layer of the nasal septum
2. Blood clots in the nasal cavities

In your case, I strongly suspect a hematoma in the nasal septum which has to be intervened immediately. It requires a drainage and nasal pack. Consult your doctor at the earliest for a complete evaluation and management.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (19 minutes later)

Hello,

Thank you for your answer. What is the procedure for the Hematoma? Also, what is the recovery? Do you need to have bandages on your nose for an extended period of time? I'm asking due to a work event coming up this week. You mentioned a nasal pack, what is this? Thank you so much for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (42 minutes later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing back

Q: What is the procedure for the Hematoma? Also, what is the recovery?

A: A small cut will be made in the mucosa after making it numb and the blood inside it is removed. You will be alright within a couple of days once the hematoma clears off.

Q: Do you need to have bandages on your nose for an extended period of time?

A: A small splint or a nasal pack (ribbon gauze soaked in antibiotic lotion and petroleum jelly) will be placed inside the nose for a day or two in order to prevent the re-collection of blood.

I wish you good health

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (50 minutes later)

Thank you for your answers, I'm going to make an appointment with an ENT. If they believe it's a Hematoma and want to drain it, will it most likely be done that day or require another appointment?

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (16 minutes later)

Hi

Welcome back

Draining a hematoma is an emergency procedure, it will be usually done on the same day under local anesthesia.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar