Nasal septal hematoma refers to bleeding in the septum, which is the partition or the part of the nose that separates the two nostrils. This write-up provides information on the contributing factors, symptoms, and treatment of this condition.
Hematoma refers to the accumulation of blood within an organ, muscles, or under the surface of the skin. It basically manifests in the form of a bruise. Fall from a height, accidents, or other traumatic injuries that result in the rupturing of blood vessels are responsible for this condition.
In the event of internal bleeding, the body responds by creating a pocket of blood for stopping excessive amounts of blood from seeping out of the blood vessels. Serious cases of hematoma are generally associated with the bleeding within the skull. If the pool of blood doesn’t seem to be disappearing and the affected area seems to be tender and painful to touch, medical assistance must be sought.
Contributing Factors
Accidents, falls, or traumatic injury are the common causes of nasal septal hematoma. Those who play contact sports are most likely to suffer from nosebleeds, which might sometimes be accompanied by bleeding in the septum. The structure of the nose makes it highly susceptible to injuries. In any facial fracture, the possibility of a nose injury always remains high. A severe blow to the nose could injure the nasal bones along with the nasal cartilage. Trauma to the nose could rupture the blood vessels and cause blood to accumulate between the septal cartilage and mucoperichondrium.
Minor bleeding could also occur as a result of excessive and harsh blowing of the nose. Blood disorders, vascular diseases, cocaine abuse, prolonged use of anticoagulants, or septum piercing could also increase the chances of one developing this condition. It could be a complication of a surgery.
The symptoms of bleeding in the septum include:
- Pain
- Swelling on the side of the nasal septum
- Redness
- Bruises
- Discoloration under the eyes
- Headaches
- Nasal congestion
- Breathing difficulty
If left untreated, this condition could cause severe damage to the septum or even cause a painful septal abscess. The affected individual might end up with a deformed nose.
Treatment
Since a broken nose or nasal fractures could cause bleeding within the nasal septum, those who have sustained any such injuries must consult a doctor soon. Certain imaging procedures will be performed in order to rule out the chances of a nasal fracture. In the absence of treatment, one is at a risk of developing necrosis of the cartilage or a deviated septum or a saddle nose deformity.
The blood that has accumulated must be drained quickly. One may also have to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Application of ice packs might also help to some extent. In severe cases, surgery might be required for removing the hematoma from the nasal septum. If the injury has resulted in any defects in the cartilage, these will need to be corrected with the help of surgery.
The surgery will be performed under anesthesia. Once the incision is made with the hemostat, blood is drained. This is followed by the insertion of a sterile gauze packing. An external splint might be applied in order to support the injured nose. As is the case with all surgical procedures, one might experience anesthesia-related side effects. Infection could also occur.
Medical assistance must be sought by anyone who has sustained a nasal injury and has been experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
