Nasal Valve Collapse Treatment Solutions for ENT Patients in Biloxi & Ocean Springs, MS

Nasal valve collapse can result in nasal blockage, snoring, and mouth breathing.

The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located in the middle to lower portion of the nose. Since the nasal valve is such a narrow area, any alteration in the structure of the nose affecting this area can result in increased resistance or blocked airflow. This is known as nasal valve collapse. The most common causes of nasal valve collapse are previous rhinoplasty, nasal trauma and congenital weakness of the nose cartilages. While nasal valve collapse during vigorous physical activity is normal, its collapse during normal breathing is not.

Medical Treatment

A small percentage of patients may opt for relief via a mechanism called a nasal valve dilator. One example of a nasal valve dilator is Breathe Right strips (over-the-counter adhesive strips positioned on the outside of the nose), which are primarily worn at night and serve to widen the nose at the spot of the nasal valve.

Surgical Treatment

Nasal valve obstruction may require surgery, including cartilage grafting, for permanent symptom relief. There are a number of surgical approaches available to treat nasal valve collapse, depending upon the anatomic cause of the collapse. If the nasal valve collapse is due to past rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty may be performed. If the collapse is due to trauma, the nasal fracture and nasal valve repair can be combined.