Nasal Valve Collapse: Types, Causes, And Treatment Options

Do you still have a stuffy nose? Are you having trouble sleeping because you can't breathe through your nose? Is obstructive nasal airflow interfering with your quality of life?

If so, you may be one of those 134 million Indians who suffer from nasal obstruction or collapsed nasal valves.

Nasal valve collapse is defined as narrowing of the nasal valve. Also known as nasal valve stenosis, it is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction.

Nasal Valve Collapse: Types, Causes, And Treatment Options

Your nasal valve is located in the middle towards the bottom of your nose. Its main function is to regulate airflow. Since the normal structure of your nasal valve is very narrow, any further narrowing can further restrict airflow. In addition, it can sometimes lead to a complete blockage of the nasal airways.

There are mainly two types of nasal valve collapse; Internal and external.

Internal nasal valve collapse

This part is between the skin and the respiratory epithelium [the lining of the airways that moistens and protects the airways]. The weakening or narrowing of the upper lateral cartilage can cause the internal nasal valve to collapse.

External nasal valve collapse

Your external nasal valve is made up of columellae [the piece of skin and cartilage that divides your nostrils], the nasal rim, and the nasal floor. Your nasal valve can collapse if it is weakened from the removal of the lower lateral cartilage.

The nasal valve can collapse on one or both sides of the nose. Also, anyone can get this disease, regardless of age. Although it is not a critical condition, it can appear aesthetically unpleasant and in some cases can cause breathing problems and snore.

Therefore, you must determine what is causing the narrowing of your nasal valves.

• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty is plastic surgery of the nose in which the lower lateral cartilage is partially removed. This can weaken your external valve and cause it to narrow. Therefore, it can lead to the collapse of the nasal valves.
• Deviated septum - A deviated septum can be the result of injury or trauma to the nose. It can also narrow your valve and cause it to collapse.

In addition to the causes mentioned above, there may be other causes of nasal valve collapse. These include:

• Aging
• Weak nasal cartilage
• Scar
• Enlarged tissues
• Inflammation
• Trauma to the nose

However, in some cases, the collapse of the nasal valve can be inherited. However, this condition is more likely to occur in people with narrowed nostrils.

Therefore, you must make an accurate diagnosis of nasal valve collapse

An ENT doctor has the expertise to diagnose nasal valve collapse. He will ask you questions about your medical history or if you have had a history of nasal surgery.

In addition, she will also examine your symptoms. Since deviated septa and enlarged turbinates can also cause similar symptoms, the doctor can evaluate them with a proper diagnosis.

Treatment options for collapsed nasal valve:

Non-surgical treatments

An ENT doctor may suggest nonsurgical treatment if your condition is not serious. The most common non-surgical treatment options for the collapsed nasal valve are:

Nasal steroids and medications.

Medications and steroids are the first lines of treatment prescribed before surgery. These medications are recommended for people with mild symptoms. However, you should only take these medications or steroids if they are prescribed by your ENT specialist.

Nasal dilators

Nasal dilators are tubes used to relieve the symptoms of a collapsed nasal valve. It is a device that manually widens the nasal valve. You can use these dilators within the nasal valve area.

Balloon sinuplasty

Sinuplasty involves inserting a balloon into the nose. This treatment is suitable when the collapse of the nasal valve is not severe.

A thin, flexible catheter is used to insert it into the septum. This allows the tissues of the nose to dilate. The balloon is then gently pushed into the nose to reduce the collapse of the nose tissue.

Decongestant therapy

It involves several techniques to help reduce or eliminate nasal obstruction. Decongestant therapy is the first-line treatment for collapsed nasal valves before surgery.

In this therapy, special devices are used to help reduce swelling by changing the way you breathe through your nose.

However, if you don't see any recovery, surgery could be the last resort. Surgical options are suggested depending on the severity of the collapse or your condition.

Surgical options for nasal valve collapse are:

Cartilage graft

In cartilage graft, a piece of cartilage is transplanted from the back of the nose or upper respiratory tract to the nasal floor [from the front of the nasal valve area]. This transplant helps to strengthen and strengthen the area reducing the risk of collapse.

Septoplasty

This surgical option helps treat the cartilage in the middle of the nose. In addition, it is made to solve the problems that can arise when the nasal valve collapses.

In this surgery, a small incision is made inside the nostrils. Then the flabby tissue is removed and a support frame is placed to fully tighten the area of ​​your cartilage.

Open rhinoplasty

India ranks fourth in terms of open rhinoplasty surgery.

Open rhinoplasty is performed to repair severe collapse of the nasal valves. In rhinoplasty, an incision is made in the nostril and cartilage. Then the flabby tissues and other tissues are removed. After that, a new framework will be implemented and supported.

Later, a plastic surgeon can also perform a secondary rhinoplasty to make your nose aesthetically attractive.

You can receive treatment under the guidance of the best ENT doctors in Amritsar. ENT doctors have extensive experience in handling all types of ear and nose surgeries.