Sports or Trauma Related Injury to the Nose
Injuries to the nose are common. Most injuries do not result in lasting problems but some can lead to a change in the structures of the nose. This can cause a blockage or restriction of normal breathing through the nose. People describe problems with breathing at night in particular. This is because most of us rely on breathing through the nose at night as the mouth is closed whilst asleep. If the nose is blocked then we are forced to breath through the mouth which in turn can lead to dryness in the throat and discomfort especially noticed in the morning. Some people need to wake up to take a drink of water which adds to the poor night’s sleep. Some also describe problems exercising as the increased airflow through the nose is restricted.
Trauma to the nose can lead to injury and a permanent alteration of a number of structures. The nasal septum is the partition in the centre of the nose and is commonly effected by a nasal injury. Sometimes the injury is significant enough to fracture the nasal bones at the top of the nose and this can add to the restriction of airflow as well as change the appearance of the nose. Some injuries can alter the tip of the nose which is made up of soft tissue including cartilage. This can add to the nasal blockage and also alter the appearance. The only way to adjust the structures of the nose is to undergo an operation to adjust those structures restricting the airflow (see septoplasty/rhinoplasty/septorhinoplasty).