The nose: bleeds, breaks and obstructions.

Nosebleeds from a break and/or obstructon can result in life-threatening problems. The nose is the airway opening that warms, humidifies and filters air. Control epistaxis with well-aimed direct pressure for 10-15 minutes. Nasal fractures, which are the most common facial fracture, can be the outward sign of skull fracture, brain injury or c-spine impairment, and may pose a threat to the airway and breathing. The greatest concern of a nose obstruction is aspiration.