The narrowest part of the nasal airway is called the nasal valve. It is located in the lower to middle part of the nose, and its primary function is to limit airflow. Since the nasal valve is already narrow, any extra narrowing can overly restrict airflow or cause a blockage.
A nasal valve collapse can occur due to trauma to the nose. For example, if you take a blow to the nose while playing sports at Neyland Stadium or if something goes wrong during nasal surgery.
Types of Nasal Valve Collapse
The type of nasal valve collapse is dependent on where in the nasal valve the collapse occurs. There are two types: internal and external.
Internal Nasal Valve Collapse
The internal nasal valve is located between the skin and respiratory epithelium – or the lining of the respiratory tract that moistens and protects the airway. It is responsible for the largest part of nasal resistance.
External Nasal Valve Collapse
The external nasal valve consists of the nasal floor, nasal rim and columella – or the piece of skin and cartilage that divides the nostrils.
Symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse
You may experience the following symptoms if you have nasal valve collapse:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Congestion
- Obstruction in the nasal passage
- Nosebleeds
- Crusting around the nostrils
- Snoring
See a doctor right away if you exhibit these symptoms, especially if there has been trauma to the nose.
Treating Nasal Valve Collapse
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.
If the collapse isn’t severe, you may be able to be treated with a nasal valve dilator, which is a device that manually widens the nasal valve and can be worn internally or externally.
Another option is a bioabsorbable implant; stabilization of the lateral nasal wall with a bioabsorbable implant improves patients’ nasal obstructive symptoms over six months.
Finally, surgery may be necessary. There are various surgical techniques that may be effective, including a cartilage graft. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call Foothills ENT today.