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Warning-sign checks

Low nasal bridge: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care after a facial or head injury if you have:

    • Serious trouble breathing
    • Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure
    • Clear, watery fluid draining from the nose
    • Loss of vision, new double vision, confusion, or loss of consciousness
    • A major facial injury or rapidly increasing swelling
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care after a nasal injury if you develop increasing blockage or a soft, tender swelling inside either nostril.

    These can be signs of a septal haematoma.

    Increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever, or worsening pain also needs prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the shape is new or gradually changing, or if you have ongoing nasal blockage, repeated nosebleeds, crusting, pain, or concerns about appearance.

    A child should also be assessed if the feature occurs with feeding, hearing, growth, or development concerns.

The article also says

A stable low bridge that has always been present and causes no problems does not usually need medical care.

A new bridge collapse without an injury is not usually an emergency, but it should be assessed promptly, particularly if it occurs with persistent sinus symptoms, joint pain, skin changes, fever, or unexplained illness.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Low nasal bridge. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.