The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located in the lower to middle part of the nose. Its primary function is to limit airflow. Because the nasal valve is already narrow, any additional narrowing can restrict airflow too much, or even cause a blockage.
Nasal valve collapse occurs due to trauma to the nose, like an injury while playing sports at Scarborough Sports Complex or during surgery.
Types of Nasal Valve Collapse
There are two types of nasal valve collapse, internal and external, based on where in the nasal valve the collapse occurs. Nasal valve collapse can occur on one or both sides of the nose; which side is affected can impact the nose’s functionality. If it occurs on one side, you’ll be able to breathe more easily than if both sides are affected.
Internal Nasal Valve Collapse
The internal nasal valve is responsible for the largest part of the nasal resistance. It’s located between the skin and respiratory epithelium, which is the lining of the respiratory tract that moistens and protects the airways.
External Nasal Valve Collapse
The external nasal valve is made up of the nasal floor, nasal rim and columella, which is the piece of skin and cartilage that divides the nostrils.
Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse
If you’re experiencing nasal valve collapse, you may exhibit symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Congestion
- Obstruction in the nasal passage
- Nasal bleeding
- Crusting around the nostrils
- Snoring
It’s important to see a doctor right away if you have these symptoms, especially following trauma to the nose.
Treatment for Nasal Valve Collapse
Most commonly, nasal valve collapse is treated with surgery. There are various surgical techniques that may be effective, including a cartilage graft. Your doctor can help you determine what type of surgery will be most effective for your unique nasal anatomy and injury.
An alternative to surgery is a nasal valve dilator, which is a device that manually widens the nasal valve. Some are worn internally, and others are worn externally. Both types are typically worn overnight. Another option is a bioabsorbable implant; stabilization of the lateral nasal wall with a bioabsorbable implant improves patients’ nasal obstructive symptoms over six months. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Benjamin Liess MD today.