Is X-ray Of The Nose Recommended Post Injury?

Posted on Tue, 24 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife fell into the bathroom door during a trip to the bathroom and I think her nose is broken. she had bleeding from the nose but that eventually stopped the nose area is swollen and now turning black and blue should I take her for x rays . there are no other symptoms just pain around nose are and no headache.

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
That would be most advisable sir, let me tell you why :)

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. It would be best to get an X-ray sir, as this would be most advisable at this point.

The thing with such situations is that if we ignore the X-rays with such an injury, the nose may start healing on its own resulting in a faulty fusion which can result in life long breathing issues, which is not something we both would want for her. So if at all there is a fracture, early correction will help to avoid all possible implications of an untreated injury. And if the X-rays report a totally normal result, then we can rest assured that she will be fine in no time.

I hope this helps and also hope your wife's reports indicate just a superficial wound and nothing more, but if at all it is a fracture, there is nothing to worry about and with correction she should not suffer any implications of a broken nose.

Best wishes.

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