FACIAL FRACTURES
These include fractures of the nose, cheekbones or jaw. The airway may be obstructed by loose teeth, blood and saliva, or displaced, swollen or lacerated tissue. Absence or depression of cough reflex may result in aspiration of regurgitated stomach contents into lungs causing asphyxia. Bleeding may be profuse. Fracture of the lower jaw is diagnosed by the following features.
1. There is difficulty in opening mouth and speaking. Attempts at that increase pain.
2. Blood stained spit is present.
3. Irregularity may be felt along the underside of jaw.
4. Irregularity of the teeth alignment may be present.
5. There may be a wound inside the mouth.
First-aid
1. Ensure clear airway to maintain breathing.
2. Make a conscious patient sit up with head well forward to permit drainage of blood and secretions.
3. Clean the mouth.
4. Press the lower jaw upward against the upper jaw with your hand on the chin. Apply a lower jaw bandage.
5. Shift him to a hospital immediately.
□ FRACTURE OF NASAL BONE
It is due to direct trauma to the nose. It is diagnosed by the presence of bleeding from nose, difficulty in breathing due to airway obstruction.
1. Treat as for nasal bleeding.
2. Clear the airway.
3. Apply a cold compress locally.
4. Shift him to a hospital immediately.