A swollen nose often occurs after surgery on the nose or after an injury, such as from playing sports. If the nose is swollen so much that it becomes difficult to breathe, or is extremely painful, it is a good idea to visit a doctor to rule out a fracture. In addition, if symptoms do not begin to improve within a day or two, it may be necessary to visit a doctor as well, as it is always better to err on the side of caution.
If, however, the swollen nose occurs from surgery or a simple bump to the nose, there are a few things to do to treat it. If the nose is still bleeding from an injury, pinch off the nostrils with a tissue for approximately five minutes, but do not tip the head back, which can cause you to swallow the blood. This can lead to nausea. If the bleeding does not stop in a reasonable amount of time, visit the emergency room.
Once the bleeding has stopped, if it was bleeding at all, anti-inflammatory medication found in drugstores can help to relieve the swelling. Be sure to always follow the dosage instructions on the bottle. In addition, it is important to keep the head elevated. Do not lie flat on your back or on a single pillow; instead, try to rest and sleep at an angle to prevent blood from pooling in the area and causing an even more swollen nose.
Ice applied at regular intervals is another effective way to treat a swollen nose. Be sure to wrap the ice or ice pack in a towel rather than applying it directly to the skin. Apply the ice pack for approximately ten to fifteen minutes at a time, at regular intervals throughout the day. Do not simply leave the ice pack sitting on the nose for a lengthy period of time.
While trying to treat a swollen nose, remember to rest and relax. If your nose is swollen for another reason, such as rosacea, a doctor or dermatologist may be able to recommend daily treatments to decrease the redness and swelling. If the nose remains swollen, however, and there does not seem to be any plausible explanation, it is important to visit a doctor who will be able to determine if an infection or other complication is present. This is especially necessary after surgery, and particularly important if the nose feels hot to the touch.