What Is Pain on Bridge Of Nose?
The nasal bridge or the bridge of the nose is the upper bony part of the nose just above the nostrils. This is a part of the body which is always vulnerable to injury and trauma. This part of the nose is also quite close to the sinuses which makes it prone to various infections. An individual can experience bridge of nose pain due to a variety of causes which may range from direct blow or trauma to infections and even in rare cases cancer.[1]
While there are numerous treatment options available for pain on the bridge of nose, there are also certain home remedies that an individual can try to calm down the pain on the bridge of the nose. Applying ice over the bridge of the nose is quite effective in relieving the pain, especially if it is caused by a blow or trauma to the nose. It is also quite helpful to elevate the head of the bed to calm down the swelling and control pain at the bridge of the nose.[1]
As the pain resolves, it is recommended not to do any strenuous physical activity as it may aggravate the pain on the bridge of the nose. There are also nose guards available at the local pharmacy stores which can be worn to protect the nose during the process of healing.[1]
In case if there is associated bleeding along with bridge of nose pain then placing gauze on the nostrils can help in controlling the bleeding. In some cases, especially, where the bridge of the nose pain is not caused by a trauma but by an infection or some other condition then it is recommended to consult with a physician to identify a cause and start treatment for it.[1]
What Can Cause Pain on Bridge Of Nose?
Some of the potential causes for pain on the bridge of the nose include
Direct Blow or Trauma: This is perhaps the most common cause of pain on the bridge of the nose. An individual can sustain a trauma or blow to the nose while playing contact sports like rugby or football. Boxers are also prone to blow to the bridge of the nose quite frequently. An individual can also sustain trauma to the bridge of the nose as a result of a motor vehicle collision. A trauma to the bridge of the nose causes swelling and bleeding aside from the pain on the bridge of the nose. The swelling makes it tough for physicians to judge whether there is a broken nose or not.[1]
In such cases, the physicians generally wait for the swelling to subside before evaluating for a nasal fracture. If an individual has a fracture that is causing bridge of the nose pain then it may be accompanied with nasal deformity as well. The individual will also have difficulty with breathing. There will also be persistent drainage of blood from the nose. Immediate medical attention is required in cases where the individual suspects that there is indwelling infection post the trauma to the nose and he or she has fever, pus, or redness.[1]
Sinusitis: This is yet another cause for pain on the bridge of the nose. This is a condition in which there is inflammation of the sinuses. The primary presenting feature of this condition is facial pain that slowly extends towards the bridge of the nose.[1]
An individual will have pain on the bridge of the nose when the ethmoid sinus gets inflamed. In addition to the pain, the individual will also have persistent bouts of coughing, fatigue, headaches, fever, and the sense of smell will be impaired.[1]
Sarcoidosis: This is one of the rare causes of pain on the bridge of the nose. Sarcoidosis results in inflammation of the body tissues resulting in the formation of lumps or granulomas. This condition at times affects the nose and may cause nasal congestion, bleeding, and loss of sense of smell apart from bridge of the nose pain [1].
Cancer: This is also one of the rare causes of bridge of nose pain. The cancer causing this pain is usually in the nasal cavity or the paranasal sinuses. In addition to the bridge of the nose pain, the individual will have facial numbness, loss of sense of smell, nosebleed, congestion, and frequent headaches.[1]
There may also be changes in the vision of the individual observed. The symptoms can mimic many other medical conditions and thus consultation with a physician is a must to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment.[1]
How is the Cause of Pain on the Bridge Of Nose Diagnosed?
In order to diagnose what is exactly causing bridge of the nose pain, the physician will first take a detailed history of the patient. The physician will inquire as to when the symptoms started and whether there are any other accompanying symptoms. The physician will also inquire about any history of a blow or trauma to the nose in the recent past.[1]
Radiographs may also be ordered in the form of a CT scan or an MRI of the nose and sinuses to check for fracture or any inflammation of the ethmoid sinus that may be causing bridge of the nose pain. In rare instances, if the physician suspects that there may be a malignant condition at play then a biopsy of the nasal tissue may be done to rule the condition out.[1]
How is Pain on the Bridge Of Nose Treated?
The treatment of bridge of the nose pain depends on the underlying cause. If the pain is caused due to an infection then a course of antibiotics will be prescribed. If the infection is severe then IV antibiotics may have to be given to the patient. In cases of a nasal fracture causing pain on the bridge of the nose then the physician do a corrective procedure to get the bones in order. This is usually done under general or local anesthesia. It rarely requires inpatient stay.[1]
If sarcoidosis is causing pain on the bridge of the nose then steroids are the most effective form of treatment. These medications will calm down the inflammation and help with the pain. It should be mentioned here that steroids should not be used for a long period of time as they have significant side effect profile if used for prolonged periods. In some cases, where nasal trauma is severe and there is a visible deformity then surgery may have to be done to bring the nose back to its normal shape.[1]
In conclusion, there are a variety of causes for bridge of the nose pain. These causes range from nasal trauma to as serious as cancer. In majority of the cases, however, pain on the bridge of the nose can be treated with home remedies.[1]
However, in more serious cases like fracture or an infection then physician consultation is a must for a prompt diagnosis and accurate treatment. In such cases, the patient may require antibiotics, steroids, or even at times surgery to treat the cause of bridge of the nose pain.[1]
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