My boyfriend has a concussion from a ski accident and his nose is stopped up what can he take for that? Afrin? Anything? Please help!

Hi,

Call the doctor if any of the following occur:

1) The pain or swelling does not go away in 3 days.
2) The nose looks crooked.
3) Breathing through the nose is not possible after the swelling has gone down.
4) A fever develops.
5) Recurring nosebleeds develop.
6) A significant injury that requires medical attention possibly exists.

Go to a hospital’s emergency department immediately if the following signs or symptoms are present:

1) Bleeding for more than a few minutes from one or both of the nostrils
2) Clear fluid draining from the nose
3) Other injuries to the face or the body
4) Loss of consciousness
5) Severe headaches
6) Repeat vomiting
7) Decrease or change in vision


Place some ice wrapped in a cloth over the nose for about 15 minutes at a time and then remove the ice. This process can be repeated multiple times throughout the day. Use ice at the time of injury and for 1-2 days afterwards to reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to take breaks between applications, and do not apply the ice directly to the skin.

1) Take anti-inflammatory(nsaids)
2) Take an over-the-counter nasal decongestant to aid in breathing through the nostrils.
3) Elevate the head, especially when sleeping, to avoid increased swelling of the nose. Prop the head up with pillows or lift the head of the bed by placing large blocks or phone books under the mattress.

You may get an x-ray done just for precaution.

Feel free to ask more questions.

•  concussion
•  swelling
•  bleeding
•  nose
•  nasal decongestion