Broken Nose?

I got punched HARD in the nose last Saturday. It didn't bleed, but it did bruise and swell. That side of my face was swollen for 3 days. I still can't breath out of one nostril, and it is tender still. The nostril I can't breath out of has a lot of clear stuff coming out of it but the other nostril is fine. When it gets bumped or when I chew/swallow it feels like there is a lot of pressure behind my nose and above my 2 front teeth. It also is ever so slightly bent to one side. I am going to fight again tomorrow, but I'm a little worried I might have broken my nose in which case I wouldn't fight. Does that sound like I might have broken my nose or just bruised it.

[Monkeymorgan]

I went ahead and fought and got my nose hit a few times pretty hard. Now instead of just one little place on one side there is a big spot that goes from one side to another. It hurts a lot more. Does it sound broken or bruised?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

It would be difficult to say without a clinical evaluation and basic x-rays. I would suggest consulting a primary care physician or an ENT doctor for an evaluation and appropriate management. Meanwhile you could try ice-packs, tylenol and OTC anti-histaminics for symptomatic relief. Vitamin C tablets may also help with the healing process.
Hope this helps.

Take care!