What causes stuffy nostril after being punched in the nose?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I was punched in the nose eight days ago. Although the swelling went away in 48 hours, I still continue to have a small black eye on my left side. My nose and eye are almost healed, but my left nostril still appears clogged and stuffy, almost like mucus. I looked up my nose, and the left side appears to be narrow. Is it possible that my internal nose is still swollen and that more time is required? I am concerned because I should be able to breathe normally by now, but rather the mucus or the stuffy nose seems unusual. I have not gone to a doctor in the past eight days and I am still recovering. Kindly help me.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for your query. Presence of nasal obstruction, eight days after nasal trauma and a narrowly appearing nostril may be due to septal hematoma. This is caused by pooling of blood beneath the septal cartilage cover. This fluid accumulation must be drained immediately to avoid the formation of an abscess, which can lead to resorption of the septal cartilage, resulting in a permanent saddle nose. I hope this answer helped you, Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Will I be able to identify the clot on my own? However, I have an appointment with an ENT specialist tomorrow. Is it possible for the septal hematoma to deviate the septum, or will my nose heal straight? As it currently appears crooked in the picture.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for your query. A crooked nose can also be caused by a deviated septum, but if it is a septal hematoma, it requires immediate drainage, which is why it is critical to identify hematomas as soon as possible and have them drained. When detected early, a traumatic septal deviation can also be corrected with minor procedures. It will be helpful to make a diagnosis if you can send a well-illuminated picture of your nasal openings while bending your head backwards. I hope this answer helped you, Thank you.
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