Are you also having difficulty breathing through your nose? This could be due to Nasal Valve Collapse!

Do you often feel like you have trouble breathing through your nose? Does it just feel like your nose is blocked, especially when you exercise or sleep? Then you may have a condition called Nasal Valve Collapse . Don't worry, this is a problem that many people have. Let's talk about it in detail.

What is Nasal Valve Collapse?

Simply put, Nasal Valve Collapse is a condition in which the nasal valve, the airway inside your nose that helps you breathe in, becomes narrowed. Think of it this way, the nasal valve is like a gate that filters and cleans the air when we breathe in. It extends from the middle of the nose all the way down.

So, when this valve collapses, that is, when it becomes narrow, air cannot pass through the nose properly. That is when we have difficulty breathing. Sometimes, the nose can look a little thin or sunken in because the valve in the nose is narrowed. But this is not always visible from the outside.

Are there types of nasal valve collapse?

Yes, there are two main types. Our nasal valve consists of two parts: the internal nasal valve and the external nasal valve. The two are located and the structures that support them are different.

• Internal Nasal Valve Collapse: This is the most common type. This internal nasal valve is located in the middle of the nose, in the airway.
• External Nasal Valve Collapse: This is located at the bottom of the nose, near the nostrils. This type is less common, but it is more likely to be visible. This is because when you breathe in through your nose, it can look like one or both nostrils are collapsing.

How common is this condition?

In fact, nasal valve collapse is the leading cause of nasal obstruction. Nasal obstruction is a condition that is often treated by ear, nose, and throat specialists (Otolaryngologists - ENT specialists). Nasal obstruction occurs when there is a blockage in the nasal cavity that restricts airflow.

What are the symptoms of Nasal Valve Collapse?

When the nasal valve collapses, it becomes difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils. The main symptoms are:

• Difficulty breathing: This can be especially bad during physical activity or when lying down. For example, if you are running or climbing stairs and have to breathe through your mouth instead of through your nose, this could be a sign.
• Mouth breathing during the day and snoring at night: Since you can't breathe properly through your nose, you may unconsciously become accustomed to breathing through your mouth. Snoring at night is also related to this.
• Nasal Congestion: A constant feeling of stuffiness.

If you have a collapsed external nasal valve, your nose may look a little different. That is, it may look thinner in some places, or it may not look symmetrical on both sides.

What causes this?

Nasal Valve Collapse is caused by the weakening of the tissue, specifically the cartilage, that supports your nasal valve. This causes the airway to narrow. There are several factors that can contribute to this:

• Anatomical differences: Some people may be born with certain differences in the position of their nose.
• Surgery: It may be due to a previous nose surgery (rhinoplasty or nose job).
• Injury: It can also be caused by a severe accident to the nose.

What are the risk factors?

There are several factors that increase the risk of Nasal Valve Collapse:

• Deviated Septum: Often, people with a deviated septum will have a deviated septum (a thin band of cartilage and bone) in the middle of their nose. When this septum is deviated, the septum is divided into two unequal parts. This uneven structure can cause one or both sides to collapse.
• Congenital nasal structure: You may be born with characteristics that increase your risk of nasal valve collapse. For example, having a deviated septum, narrow nostrils, a wide area between the nostrils (columella), or an over-projecting nose can increase your risk.
• Rhinoplasty: As mentioned earlier, this condition can occur after rhinoplasty. However, most often, it is a slight narrowing rather than a severe collapse.

Important: If you experience difficulty breathing after nose surgery, it is very important to inform your doctor about it.

Some other risk factors:

• Aging: As you age, the tissues that support the nasal valve may lose strength.
• Injury: Injuries to the bones and tissues inside the nose can weaken their supporting strength.

How is this condition (Nasal Valve Collapse) diagnosed?

When you see a doctor, they will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also ask you questions from something like the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaire . The NOSE questionnaire rates your symptoms from mild to severe. The questions determine how much your breathing, nasal congestion, and sleep problems are affecting your quality of life.

The doctor will then carefully examine your nose and throat. This may include several tests.

Tests to diagnose nasal valve collapse

• (Endoscopy): Nasal endoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light) to look inside the nose. This allows for a clear view of the inside of the nose.
• Cottle Maneuver: In this test, the doctor will pull your cheek to one side and try to widen the nasal passage. Alternatively, the doctor may use a small instrument or cotton swab to widen the affected nostril. This will help the doctor identify where the blockage is.

How is this treated?

Surgery is often required to treat a collapsed nasal valve. However, if your symptoms are not severe, your doctor may recommend non-surgical ways to manage your symptoms first.

Surgery for nasal valve collapse

Your doctor will recommend the best surgical procedure to correct your nasal valve collapse. Most surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day as your surgery.

Several treatment options:

• Grafting: This involves taking cartilage or bone from another part of your body, such as your ear or rib, and inserting it into your nose. This extra tissue is used to widen the nasal septum. There are several types of grafting, the most common of which is the Alar Batten graft.
• Implants: A device is implanted into the nose to support the collapsed cartilage. This can include a titanium butterfly-shaped device and an injectable implant called Latera®.
• Suture Suspension: This involves using sutures to attach the nasal septum tissue to the tissue under the eye. This procedure pulls the nasal septum up and out, widening the space.

You may also need surgery to correct other structural problems that may be contributing to the collapse of the nasal septum. For example:

• Septoplasty: Surgery to correct a deviated septum.
• Turbinate Reduction: Surgery to reduce the size of the turbinates, which are bony structures inside the nose.

Treatment for Nasal Valve Collapse without Surgery

• Breathing Strips: These are strips that are placed on the outside of the nose. They lift the skin and open the nostrils. They can help you breathe easier at night and sleep better.
• Internal Nasal Dilators: These are devices that are inserted into the nostrils. They push the cartilage outward and widen the nasal passages. Like breathing tubes, they can help you sleep better at night.

(Nasal Valve Collapse) Will the condition get worse?

It doesn't always happen, but it can happen. Nasal valve collapse is caused by weakening of the structures that support the nasal airways. So, if the weakened areas aren't treated to strengthen them, these structures can collapse further.

What are the results of treating this condition?

Many people say that after having surgery to repair a collapsed nasal valve, their symptoms have significantly improved. Once the collapse is corrected, you will be able to breathe easier and sleep better.

What questions should I ask the doctor?

You can ask the doctor questions like:

• How bad is the crash?
• Will I need surgery to fix this?
• What types of surgeries do you recommend?
• What are the possible risks of surgery?
• What is the success rate of the recommended surgery?
• How long will it take to heal?

Remember: If you have a stuffy nose that is persistent, doesn't get better, or is making it difficult to breathe, see a doctor. These symptoms could be related to a structural defect, such as a collapsed nasal valve. If the collapse is not severe, your doctor may recommend treatments to control the discomfort. In some cases, surgery is the best option to ensure that you get enough air through your nasal cavity. Your doctor will tell you which options are best for you.

Finally, take-home message:

Difficulty breathing through your nose is not something to be taken lightly. It can have a big impact on your quality of life. You may not even realize it, but you may be having trouble sleeping at night and feeling tired during the day. All of this could be due to a problem with your nose.

Therefore, if you have the symptoms mentioned in this article, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. There are now effective treatments for a condition called (Nasal Valve Collapse). If detected and treated early, you will be able to breathe easily again!

` Nasal Valve Collapse, Nasal Congestion, Difficulty Breathing, Snoring, Nose Surgery, Deviated Septum, ENT