Viral sinus infection (sinusitis)
Acute viral sinusitis, also called viral rhinosinusitis or "sinus infection," occurs when viruses take hold and multiply in the sinus cavities of the face.
It is most often caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold and spreads the same way, through an infected person's coughing or sneezing.
Because children have small, underdeveloped sinuses, this illness is far more common in adults.
Symptoms include clear nasal discharge (not greenish or yellowish,) fever, and pain if facial sinuses are pressed.
If there is rash, severe fatigue, or neurologic symptoms (seizures, loss of sensation, weakness, or partial paralysis,) see a medical provider to rule out more serious conditions.
Diagnosis can usually be made through history and examination alone.
Antibiotics only work against bacteria and cannot help against a viral illness.
Therefore, treatment consists of rest, fluids, and fever/pain reducers such as ibuprofen. (Do not give aspirin to children.) Symptoms of viral sinusitis last for about seven to ten days.
As with the common cold, the best prevention is frequent and thorough handwashing.
Non-specific nasal injury
Nasal injuries are very common due to the position of the nose on the face. While fragile, many injuries to the nose are not actually fractures.
You can go see your doctor tomorrow, who can rule out a fracture. Imaging and physical exam can find fractures of the nose. Treatment for a non-fracture is just ice and simple pain management.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: constant nose pain, nose pain caused by trauma, swollen nose, nose bruise, bloody nose after being hit in the nose
Symptoms that always occur with non-specific nasal injury: nose pain caused by trauma, constant nose pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Iatrogenic nose condition
Surgery of the nose or nose piercing can result in side effects ranging from infection, pain and swelling to numbness and decreased sense of smell.
You should contact a healthcare provider to decide whether your symptoms need further examination and treatment. If you have signs of an infection, it is likely a course of antibiotics will be prescribed.
Common cold
The common cold is a contagious viral infection that can cause cough, congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Most adults catch two to three colds per year, and kids can get more than eight colds each year.
Rest and drink plenty of fluids. Colds are contagious and can easily spread to other people, so if possible, avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. Colds typically resolve within 7 to 10 days.
Broken nose
Nasal fractures are common occurrences. The force needed to break the nasal bones is less than any of the other bones of the face because of their thinness and position. For kids, treatment and diagnosis is different because of the bones may not be fully formed.
You should go to urgent care or the emergency room immediately by car, where diagnosis can be confirmed by taking pictures. Treatment involves stabilizing the nose and referring to an Ear/Nose/Throat surgeon or a plastic surgeon for further management.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: mouth breathing, constant nose pain, swollen nose, nose pain caused by trauma, nose bruise
Symptoms that always occur with broken nose: nose pain caused by trauma, swollen nose, constant nose pain
Urgency: Hospital emergency room
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if your nose bruise persists, worsens, or you experience any of the following.
- You have symptoms of concussion: Nausea and vomiting, headache, dizziness, confusion, and feeling faint.
- Ongoing pain, bruising, swelling, or deformity that does not heal within a few days
- Fever along with the injury
- A yellowish, pus-like discharge from the injured nose
When it is an emergency
Seek immediate nose bruise treatment in the emergency room or call 911 if:
- You have difficulty breathing through the injured nose
- You suspect that the nose may be fractured
- You have bruising around the eyes and nose following a head injury but were not struck in the face: This can be a sign of a skull fracture.
- You have a nosebleed that does not stop: Even after applying gentle pressure and an ice pack or cold pack
- You were unconscious following the injury
- The vision is affected, and you are either seeing double or your vision is blurred
- You suspect there is a foreign body within the nose following an accident: Children will sometimes insert an object into their noses and can't get it out again.
- You also have an open wound on the nose
- The nose looks crooked or deformed: Not just swollen
Questions your doctor may ask about nose bruise
- Do you have any body piercings?
- Have you ever had any surgeries?
- Were you struck in the nose?
- Do you have a rash?
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.