First Aid & Emergencies

Nose injury and difficulty breathing

A stuffy nose is common after an injury to the nose. The stuffiness will usually go away after 48 to 72 hours of home treatment.

Difficulty breathing following a nose injury is more serious when something is blocking your nasal passages. This can include saliva, blood, vomit, swollen or injured tissues, broken teeth, dirt, or broken dental work or dentures. It is important to keep the airway clear. Difficulty breathing may also be a sign that other facial, neck, or chest injuries are present.

Nasal stuffiness after a nose injury in a baby age 3 months or younger can be more serious. Babies this age breathe through their noses and won't automatically start breathing through their mouths as older children and adults do. Prompt medical treatment can prevent complications.