Home > Encyclopedia of Medicine > Nasal Trauma

Definition

Nasal trauma is defined as any injury to the nose or related structure that may result in deformity, decreased inhalation due to obstruction, or an impaired sense of smell (olfaction).

Description

The nose is composed of bone, soft tissue, and cartilage. It functions to serve as a passageway for air from the environment to flow into the lower respiratory tract and lungs, at the same time warming and humidify air.

The nasal bones are the most frequently fractured facial bones due to their foremost position on the face. Although not life threatening, fractures may lead to aesthetic and functional deformities. Children have a more cartilaginous nose than adults and are more resilient to trauma due to force.

Fractures of the nose vary with the type and direction of force that has been inflicted. Fractures resulting from...