After a fall, noticed blood in my dad's nose. Should I be worried?

Question

Hi doctor,

My dad met with a fall in the bathroom today and bled from the right side of his nose. The bleeding stopped after 2 minutes, but I noticed that the nose contains a few drops of blood. I took him to the ER and had an x-ray. But, my doctor advised us to go home and have a review after a week. I am worried about the blood in the nose. My dad is a known diabetic and on Glucophage.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the x-ray that you shared (attachment removed to protect patient identity), I cannot make out any nasal bone fracture. The bleeding is due to injury to the nose. If there is no active bleeding and no fracture detectable in the x-ray, then we manage the same conservatively. He should be given some painkillers, anti-edema medicines and antibiotics since he is a diabetic. Let him rest the nose and not touch or press it unnecessarily. If there is any active bleeding, then you must visit the hospital and take necessary measures from there. They may give injections and local drops to control bleeding. Sometimes, a pack may be inserted into the nose. Since your father is a diabetic, we must ensure that the blood in the nose does not lead to infection. Also, you must observe and see if any clear water fluid leaks from nose or ears. It is called CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and if there is such a leakage, then contact the doctor immediately. Otherwise, you may visit the doctor after seven days as told and nothing to worry.