If your nose looks straight, could it still be broken?
When you think of a broken nose, you may only think about the nasal bones on the bridge of your nose, which defines the structure of the nose and would clearly show any injury to it. However, injury to other bones in the nose, like nasal cartilages or the nasal septum, may not be visible on a simple x-ray and the nose may still look perfectly normal. This is called a deviated septum.
Patients with a deviated septum will complain that their breathing improves when they pull on their cheeks or when using nasal strips. The effects of a deviated septum may not be immediate - the nose can compensate after an injury by working harder. This may cause symptoms like a stuffy nose, trouble breathing when sleeping, and sinus problems to worsen over time. If you have breathing or sinus difficulties after nasal trauma, even years later, it is best to see the opinion of a nasal specialist like Dr. Tadros, regardless if your nose appears crooked or straight.
Call to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tadros -
NYC: (212) 532-4590
New Jersey: (201) 408-5430