Nasal trauma

The nose occupies the center of the face, and its appearance may be more important to us than its function. It is also the chief conduit of the air we breathe, however. It warms, moistens, and cleans that air. It tells us if dinner is going to be good or if the house is on fire. Nasal injuries therefore must be treated with respect. An examination requires good lighting, suction, and a nasal speculum. The two disasters to avoid are delayed referral of a displaced fracture or cartilage, and nontreatment of a septal hematoma.