Nose
Nasal Valve Insufficiency
The nasal valve is a narrow region of the nasal airway that plays an important role in regulating airflow. Its internal and external components depend on the shape and support of the surrounding structures.
Nasal valve insufficiency occurs when narrowing or inadequate support restricts breathing through this region. It can affect one or both sides of the nose.
Narrowing and Collapse: What Is the Difference?
Static obstruction means that the valve region is narrowed even at rest. Dynamic collapse occurs when part of the nasal sidewall moves inward during inhalation, further restricting airflow.
These problems can occur together. They may also coexist with a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, making a complete assessment of the nasal airway important.
What Symptoms Can Occur?
Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent difficulty breathing through the nose.
- A blocked sensation despite little nasal discharge.
- Increased breathing difficulty during exercise.
- Mouth breathing or disturbed sleep.
- Inward movement of the nostril or sidewall when breathing in.
Some people notice temporary relief with an external nasal strip. This can provide useful information, but does not establish the diagnosis on its own.
How Is It Assessed?
Diagnosis is primarily based on symptoms and examination. The clinician observes the nose at rest and during breathing, assessing both the valve region and other possible sources of obstruction.
Gentle support of selected areas may help determine whether stabilising the sidewall improves airflow. These findings are interpreted alongside the rest of the examination.
Nasal endoscopy can help identify additional problems deeper inside the nose. A CT scan is not routinely needed to diagnose valve dysfunction and cannot show dynamic collapse reliably.
Can Sprays or Nasal Strips Help?
External nasal strips or internal dilators may provide temporary support while they are worn. They can be useful for people who prefer to defer a procedure, although comfort and benefit vary.
Medication may help associated allergies or swelling. However, nasal sprays do not directly correct structural narrowing or restore weakened support at the valve.
What Procedures May Be Considered?
When symptoms significantly affect daily life, treatment may aim to widen or stabilise the affected area. Options include cartilage grafts, supporting sutures and, in selected cases, implant-based or radiofrequency procedures.
The appropriate method depends on the location and type of dysfunction. Valve repair may be performed alone or alongside septoplasty or turbinate reduction when those structures also contribute to blockage.
Septoplasty and turbinate reduction address different problems and do not automatically correct nasal valve insufficiency.
Planning Treatment
Discuss which part of the airway is causing symptoms, what improvement is realistic and whether the proposed treatment could affect the appearance of the nose.
Recovery, aftercare and potential complications vary with the procedure. The aim is improved breathing, but the degree of benefit differs between individuals.
Discuss Your Symptoms
Contact the clinic to arrange an assessment for persistent nasal blockage or difficulty breathing through the nose, including symptoms that continue after previous treatment.
This information provides general guidance and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
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