Definition
Nasal bone pain is characterized by its localization between the forehead and the upper jaw. The nasal bone is the bone on which the glasses rest on the nose. If one grasps the nose at eye level with thumb and index finger and follows the course towards the tip of the nose, the nasal bone is the fixed, non-moving part of the nose. The character of the pain can vary from dull to stinging and can be accompanied by other externally visible symptoms such as swelling, skin bleeding or nosebleeds.
Causes
The causes of pain in the nasal bone can be many and varied. Most often, a violent impact is the reason for a painful nasal bone. It does not matter whether a force is applied to the nose from outside or inside.
A blow to the nose can therefore be just as much a cause of injury to the bony nose as an object inserted into the nose. The pain itself is caused by the injury to the bone, which can manifest itself as a bruise, a fine crack or a proper break. However, infections of the nasal mucous membrane or the paranasal sinuses can also lead to a painful nasal bone by exerting pressure on the bone from within through the swelling of the mucous membranes.
Due to the sensitive nerve fibers of the nose, this pressure is perceived as pain. A blow on the nose represents an external force acting on the facial bone. Depending on the intensity of the blow, the bone of the nose is more or less damaged.
The severity of the trauma can be assessed on the basis of the accompanying symptoms. A purely painful nasal bone is initially classified as less dangerous than an already optically deformed nasal bone that is accompanied by nosebleeds and a hematoma (bruise). A cold is usually caused by a virus infection and is accompanied by swelling of the nasal mucous membranes.
The nasal bone is the bony anchoring of the nose to the rest of the facial skull and, due to its solid structure, hardly allows any room for expansion. If the mucous membranes swell, this leads to an increase in pressure in the bony cavity of the nose. Sensitive nerve fibers are reactively irritated and this leads to pain in the nasal bone.
Pain in the nasal bone is a common problem for spectacle wearers. They are caused by a poorly fitted spectacle frame. If the contact surface of the glasses on the nose is uneven or the nose pads are too tight around the nose, sensitive nerve endings in the skin of the outer nose are irritated.
They warn the wearer of possible pressure damage to the skin. Frequently, the pain on the nasal bone is accompanied by extensive reddening in the area of the contact surface, confirming that the glasses are incorrectly fitted. An adjustment of the spectacle frame at the optician usually makes this pain disappear quickly.
A contusion of the nasal bone often manifests itself through a very touch-sensitive nose. Optically, in the majority of cases no change in the nose is visible. Swelling or bruising are nevertheless possible accompanying symptoms.
The bone is only compressed and shows no fractures. However, the violent impact has nevertheless caused the bone plexus to become irritated and tissue to become constricted, at least for a short period of time. Micro injuries are the result. Until the body repairs these tiny injuries, the nose is painful.
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