How to Treat a Swollen Nose
Whether you are recovering from recent nose surgery or just got hit a little too hard in last night's basketball game, having a swollen nose can be very uncomfortable. As the soft tissues in the nose fill with blood, it can impede some of the simplest things such as breathing and sleeping. If you find yourself in such a predicament, you will be glad to know there are methods you can try to make yourself more comfortable until the swelling subsides.
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Instructions
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Apply an ice pack ten to twenty minutes at a time for a minimum of three times a day. Remember to keep a layer of cloth between your skin and the ice. A towel of medium thickness is ideal. Cold will reduce the swelling in the affected area.
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Keep your head elevated as much as possible even while sleeping. Lying down causes more blood to accumulate to the area, resulting in more swelling and throbbing. Staying inclined allows blood and other fluids to drain from the face.
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Drink plenty of fluids to promote sinus drainage and reduce stuffiness to ease breathing.
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Avoid any warm environments such as a bath, shower or hot tub within the first 48 hours of symptoms occurring to avoid encouraging blood flow to the swollen area.
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Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen for pain and swelling.
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Tips & Warnings
If your swollen nose occurred from an injury and not as the result of a surgery, you should always consult a doctor to rule out any serious damage.
