Many people struggle with persistent nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through their nose, even when they are not sick. If you feel like your nose is always blocked or that you cannot get enough air through your nasal passages, a condition called nasal valve collapse may be the cause.
Nasal valve collapse is a common but often overlooked cause of nasal obstruction, and it can significantly affect sleep, exercise, and overall comfort.
At Surgical Associates Northwest, patients from Federal Way, Auburn, Tacoma, Puyallup, and communities throughout South King County and Pierce County frequently seek evaluation for chronic nasal breathing problems that do not improve with medications.
Understanding the cause of nasal obstruction is the first step toward finding effective treatment.
What Is the Nasal Valve?
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway. It is located inside the nose where the nasal passages begin to open toward the back of the nose.
Because this area is already narrow, even small changes in the structure of the nose can significantly restrict airflow.
When the nasal valve becomes weak or collapses inward during breathing, it can block airflow and create a sensation of nasal congestion.
What Is Nasal Valve Collapse?
Nasal valve collapse occurs when the sidewall of the nose weakens or falls inward during breathing, narrowing the airway.
Instead of staying open to allow air to pass through freely, the nasal passage partially collapses, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Common symptoms of nasal valve collapse include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Persistent nasal congestion
- Feeling that one or both sides of the nose are blocked
- Nasal breathing that improves when pulling the cheek outward
- Trouble breathing through the nose during exercise
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
Many people with nasal valve collapse feel that their nose is constantly congested even when there is little mucus present.
What Causes Nasal Valve Collapse?
Several factors can contribute to nasal valve collapse.
Structural weakness
Some individuals naturally have weaker nasal sidewalls that are more prone to collapsing during breathing.
Previous nasal surgery or injury
Prior nasal trauma or surgery can sometimes weaken the structural support of the nasal valve.
Aging
As tissues lose elasticity over time, the nasal sidewalls may become more prone to collapsing inward.
Deviated septum
A crooked nasal septum can alter airflow patterns and contribute to narrowing of the nasal valve area.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
If nasal congestion persists for months despite medications such as nasal sprays or allergy treatments, evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may help determine the cause.
An ENT evaluation may include:
- Nasal examination using a small endoscopic camera
- Assessment of nasal airflow
- Evaluation for structural causes of nasal obstruction
- Allergy evaluation when appropriate
Identifying whether symptoms are caused by nasal valve collapse, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or sinus inflammation helps guide the most effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Nasal Valve Collapse
Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause of nasal obstruction.
Medical therapy
Some patients benefit from medications such as:
- Nasal steroid sprays
- Antihistamine sprays
- Allergy treatment
However, when structural narrowing of the nasal valve is present, medications alone may not fully resolve symptoms.
Minimally Invasive Treatments for Nasal Valve Collapse
Several modern treatments can improve nasal airflow by supporting or reshaping the nasal valve.
Vivaer Nasal Airway Remodeling
Vivaer is a minimally invasive treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to reshape the nasal valve area and improve airflow. The procedure is performed inside the nose and does not require incisions or removal of tissue.
Latera Nasal Implant
Latera is a small absorbable implant that helps support the nasal sidewall and prevent collapse during breathing. This treatment is designed to strengthen the nasal airway and improve breathing.
Surgical Treatment Options
In some cases, surgical treatment may be recommended to improve nasal airflow.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty straightens a deviated nasal septum to improve airflow through the nasal passages.
Turbinate reduction
Reducing the size of enlarged turbinates can help create more space for airflow within the nose.
These procedures are commonly performed to relieve chronic nasal obstruction.
Improving Nasal Breathing and Quality of Life
Difficulty breathing through the nose can significantly affect sleep, exercise, and daily comfort. Fortunately, effective treatment options are available.
At Surgical Associates Northwest, patients from Federal Way, Auburn, Tacoma, Puyallup, and throughout South King County and Pierce County receive comprehensive evaluation and treatment for nasal obstruction and breathing difficulties.
Treatment plans may include medical therapy, minimally invasive procedures such as Vivaer, or surgical treatments when necessary to restore healthy nasal airflow.
If you struggle with persistent nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through your nose, an ENT evaluation can help determine the cause and identify the best treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nasal Valve Collapse
How do I know if I have nasal valve collapse?
If pulling the skin of your cheek outward improves nasal breathing, this may suggest nasal valve collapse.
Can nasal valve collapse be treated without surgery?
Yes. Minimally invasive treatments such as Vivaer or Latera may help improve nasal airflow without traditional surgery.
When should I see an ENT for nasal obstruction?
If nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through the nose persists for several months despite medications, evaluation by an ENT specialist may help determine the underlying cause.
