Understanding Nasal Valve Collapse: Root Causes, Consequences, and Treatments
Nasal Valve Collapse: What Is It?
The nasal valve, a small portion of cartilage and soft tissue inside the nasal cavity, is essential for regulating airflow through the nasal passages. Nasal valve collapse is the term used to describe a nasal valve narrowing that results in a partial or whole obstruction of the airway. This can make breathing through the nose very difficult and may create other health problems including sleep apnea or persistent sinusitis.
Nasal Valve Collapse: Dynamic vs. Static
Nasal valve collapse mostly comes in two flavors: dynamic and static.
1 Dynamic Nasal Valve Collapse: This kind happens when the nasal valve can’t keep its ideal shape when breathing in. Inhaling air causes negative pressure, which draws the weak valve inward and limits airflow. This type of collapse is frequently linked to congenital defects, recent surgery, or trauma.
2 Static Nasal Valve Collapse: In this condition, the nasal valve remains narrow or blocked whether the person is breathing in or out. Scarring from prior surgeries or injuries, aging, or structural anomalies are the usual causes of this type.
Nasal Breathing Consequences of Nasal Valve Collapse
Nasal valve collapse may have a substantial impact on a person’s capacity for nasal breathing. Nasal congestion, breathing problems while exercising, snoring, and repeated nose infections are typical symptoms. Chronic mouth breathing brought on by the illness can also result in dry mouth, foul breath, and dental issues.
Nasal valve collapse interventions
Nasal valve collapse can be treated with a variety of methods, from minimally invasive techniques to more involved surgeries.
1 Vivaer: Vivaer is a minimally invasive in-office technique that strengthens and reshapes the nasal valve using radiofrequency energy. No incisions are necessary for the procedure, and there is normally little recovery time. This intervention is often good for static collapse.
2 Latera Implants: Latera implants are absorbable nasal implants that are inserted behind the lateral nasal cartilage to reinforce and strengthen it. The implants, which strengthen support for the nasal valve and enhance airflow, are implanted through a tiny incision within the nostril. This intervention is often good for dynamic collapse.
3 Rhinoplasty: Often referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is a surgical technique that can treat nasal valve collapse on both a cosmetic and functional level. To enhance the nasal valve’s structure and functionality, the nasal cartilage and bone are reshaped during surgery. This is a good intervention that can address all narrowing if done right.
4 Turbinate Reduction: In this technique, the turbinates, which are nasal cavity structures that assist humidify and filter the air we breathe, are shrunk. Nasal blockage and nasal valve collapse may be made worse by enlarged turbinates. Several methods, including radiofrequency ablation, coblation, or surgical excision, can be used to reduce the size.
5 Septoplasty: A deviated septum, the bone and cartilage wall that divides the two nostrils, can be fixed surgically by this treatment. Nasal obstruction and symptoms of nasal valve collapse may be exacerbated by a deviated septum. The septum can be straightened to enhance airflow and frequently resolve breathing issues. As the nasal valve area is made up of the septum, turbinate, and the lateral cartilage. So often addressing the septum and turbinate can be a sufficient intervention.
Conclusion
There is a chance that you have nasal valve collapse if you’re having trouble breathing through your nose. You can decide whether to seek treatment for this condition from your doctor by understanding what causes it, such as trauma, allergies, aging, and structural issues with the nose, as well as its symptoms, such as congestion or tightness in one or both nostrils as well as whistling sounds when exhaling. Don’t wait to seek medical attention if necessary; effective treatment depends on an early diagnosis. To get a complete ear, nose, and throat evaluation and start breathing easier tomorrow, call us today!
