What causes pain in the nasal bones?

Pain in the nasal bones may result from nasal trauma, leading to localized bone fissures or fractures. In such cases, the patient should undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan of the nasal bones at a hospital to establish a definitive diagnosis. If the patient experiences impaired nasal airflow or noticeable nasal deformity, surgical reduction of the nasal bone fracture may be considered.

Alternatively, the pain may stem from local inflammation in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, causing perinasal soft tissue swelling that irritates the surrounding nasal bones. Palpation of the nasal bones in such cases may elicit tenderness; in rare instances, patients may develop localized osteomyelitis, which also causes pain upon palpation. Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) for routine examination to determine whether inflammation is present. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, targeted anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy can be initiated.