Facial fractures (nose, cheekbones or jaw): It’s diagnose and first aid treatment
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.
- There is difficulty in opening mouth and speaking. Attempts to that increase pain.
- Blood stained spit is present.
- Irregularity may be felt along under side of jaw.
- Irregularity of the teeth alignment may be present.
- There may be a wound inside the mouth.
First Aid
- Ensure clear airway to maintain breathing.
- Make a conscious patient sit up with head well forward to permit drainage of blood and secretions.
- Clean the mouth.
- Press the lower jaw upward against the upper jaw with your hand on the chin. Apply a lower jaw bandage (see the section on bandages).
- Shift him to a hospital immediately.
