possible broken nose with 2yr old

[shadesofbluebabe]

my son ran into a wall yesterday and now his nose is pretty swollen and bruised and the bruise is starting to get bigger and go to under the eye. How do I know if he has broken it and if he has what can a Dr do for it?

[John Kenyon, CNA]

Hello -

The younger a child is, the less likely a fracture, but it still should be checked because even a solid blow to caritlage can cause future septal deviation or other problems that could be avoided now. It's difficult to know for certain if an actual break or displacement has taken place without an exam and/or x-ray, and it's well worth the trouble, especially if there is swelling or discoloration extending over into the area of an eye. A doctor can determine if treatment is needed, and this could range from some home care advice to adjusting a displacement or adjusting and bracing a bend or break.

Hope this is helpful. Please keep us updated.