Nasal Septal Hematoma Overview
Learn About Nasal Septal Hematoma
A nasal septal hematoma is a collection of blood within the septum of the nose. The septum is the part of the nose between the nostrils. An injury disrupts the blood vessels so that fluid and blood may collect under the lining.
A septal hematoma can be caused by:
- A broken nose
- Injury to the soft tissue of the area
- Surgery
- Taking blood-thinning medicines
The problem is more common in children because their septums are thicker and have a more flexible lining.
Symptoms may include:
- Blockage in breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Painful swelling of the nasal septum
- Change in the shape of the nose
- Fever
Your provider will make a small cut to drain the blood. Gauze or cotton will be placed inside the nose after the blood is removed.
Centers For Advanced Ent Care LLC
Juan Pardo is an Otolaryngologist and an Allergy and Immunologist in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Pardo and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Septal Hematoma. His top areas of expertise are Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Infant Hearing Loss, and Trachoma. Dr. Pardo is currently accepting new patients.
Centers For Advanced Ent Care LLC
Joydeep Som is an Otolaryngologist and an Allergy and Immunologist in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Som and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Septal Hematoma. His top areas of expertise are Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Infant Hearing Loss, and Perichondritis. Dr. Som is currently accepting new patients.
Centers For Advanced Ent Care LLC
Andrew Johnson is an Otolaryngologist in Annapolis, Maryland. Dr. Johnson and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Septal Hematoma. His top areas of expertise are Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, Perichondritis, and Infant Hearing Loss. Dr. Johnson is currently accepting new patients.
You should heal fully if the injury is treated quickly.
If you have had the hematoma for a long time, it may become infected and will be painful. You may develop a septal abscess and fever.
An untreated septal hematoma may lead to a hole in the area separating the nostrils, called a septal perforation. This can cause nasal congestion. Or, the area may collapse, leading to a deformity of the outer nose called a saddle nose deformity.
Contact your provider for any nasal injury resulting in nasal congestion or pain. You may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Recognizing and treating the problem early can prevent complications and allow the septum to heal.
Published Date: September 10, 2023
Published By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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