Ball sports: Nasal bone fractures
Dong Yuli pointed out that the most common sports-related injuries treated in otolaryngology departments during the summer vacation are nasal traumas caused by physical collisions, falls, or being hit by balls while playing basketball or soccer—such as nasal bone fractures and nosebleeds.
When a nasal injury occurs, the area may become painful, swollen, and bleed. In severe cases, obvious deformities around the nose or nasal bones can be seen. In such situations, the first step is to apply ice to reduce swelling and bleeding, then seek immediate care at the hospital’s otolaryngology department. Generally, X-rays can confirm whether there is a fracture and identify the location. Those diagnosed with a nasal bone fracture usually require hospitalization for reduction treatment.
Reminder: Nasal bone fractures should be treated within 2–3 hours after injury and generally no later than 14 days, otherwise malunion may occur, altering the shape of the nose. As for nosebleeds, the impact depends on the amount of blood lost. A single episode of heavy bleeding that cannot be stopped may cause shock, while repeated small amounts of bleeding can lead to anemia. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor for nosebleeds to assess the severity of the injury.
Swimming: Water entering the nose causing otitis media and sinusitis
Recently, the Shenzhen Municipal Health and Family Planning Commission released the results of the second special inspection of water quality at swimming venues in Shenzhen this year. Sixteen community swimming pools were found to have substandard water quality, with nine exceeding urea limits. It is undeniable that many swimming pools have poor water quality, containing large amounts of bacteria. Improper swimming postures can cause water inhalation, allowing water to enter the ears through the Eustachian tube in the nasopharynx, leading to bacterial infections that can easily cause sinusitis and otitis media—conditions particularly common among children.
When sinusitis occurs, patients may experience symptoms such as purulent nasal discharge, dizziness, headaches, and nasal congestion, which in early stages resemble those of a cold. However, while colds usually resolve within a week, sinusitis often does not improve as easily. Acute sinusitis treatment generally focuses on anti-inflammatory measures and nasal irrigation. Early treatment can prevent complications (like otitis media) or progression to chronic sinusitis. Otitis media, on the other hand, may block the Eustachian tube due to inflammation, causing symptoms such as ear pain and hearing loss within a few days. Doctors can use an otoscope to check for eardrum perforation in otitis media patients, and hearing tests can determine the extent of hearing loss.
Reminder: Those experiencing upper respiratory infections such as colds or chronic rhinitis, or individuals already suffering from sinusitis or otitis media, should avoid swimming during illness or recovery. Using protective gear such as nose clips and earplugs while swimming can effectively reduce the risk of sinusitis and otitis media caused by water inhalation.
Boxing: Nasal septum correction needed before training
Boxing has become a fairly trendy fitness activity among young people in recent years, but it is also highly susceptible to injuries—such as nosebleeds. A blow to the nose can damage the tiny blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, causing bleeding, and may also lead to nasal deformity. Dong Yuli explained that before official boxing training or competitions, the nasal septum is typically examined. If a deviated septum is detected, correction is required to prevent nasal septum perforation in case of nasal bone fractures caused by impacts.
Reminder: Amateur boxing includes helmets that protect against head injuries, and boxing gloves are larger than those used in professional boxing, providing good athlete protection. No additional nasal treatment is needed. But if nasal injuries do occur, reduction treatment and timely bleeding control are required, and no competitions or practice should be resumed for two months.
Diving: Insufficient protection at depth can damage the eardrum
Eardrum perforations are commonly caused by hard objects such as cotton swabs or foreign bodies in the external auditory canal. However, Dong Yuli warns that high diving or diving below 8–10 meters underwater can damage the eardrum due to excessive water pressure.
Symptoms and treatment: Water pressure-induced eardrum rupture causes immediate symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and tinnitus. In severe cases, there may also be external auditory canal bleeding and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Immediate examination by an otolaryngologist is needed to assess the eardrum and hearing condition, remove any residual foreign objects in the external auditory canal, and disinfect the canal and auricle to prevent infection. Generally, the vast majority of traumatic eardrum perforations can heal on their own within about a month (even without treatment), but for larger perforations that do not heal, surgical repair can be performed after three months.
Reminder: After an eardrum rupture, avoid irrigating the external auditory canal or using eardrops. Also, refrain from swimming or allowing water into the ear until the perforation has healed to prevent infection.