This is one of several nasal conditions that can reduce breathing, complicate sleep, and lower your overall quality of life. Thankfully, our team at St. Louis Sinus Center can help.
What Is Nasal Valve Collapse?
Your nose has two valves in each nostril that help control the flow of air. When you breathe in, they open to let air in, but between breaths, they close to reduce the flow of air. This helps your nasal passages warm and filter incoming air.
It is possible for either of these valves to collapse. When that happens, they can fully or partially block the flow of air through your nose. This can make breathing difficult, cause snoring, and even create cosmetic issues.
Signs of a Collapse
There are a few symptoms that you may experience if you suffer from a nasal valve collapse. These include the following:
- Persistent feelings of stuffiness
- Inability to breathe fully
- Limited relief when using breathing strips
- An appearance change in the lower nose
While these signs can indicate a problem, you ultimately need a doctor to diagnose valve collapse. These symptoms can stem from similar but distinct issues.
It is also worth noting that valve collapse can impact one or both nostrils.
Treatments for a Nasal Valve Collapse
When your nasal valve collapse is properly diagnosed, there are a few viable treatment options. The treatment recommendations will depend on the specifics of your valve collapse and how it manifests.
The most common treatments involve outpatient surgery. These surgeries are minor, and they treat the root cause of valve collapse. Surgeries could involve a graft that repairs a damaged nasal valve. Other surgeries that are available to help use implants to hold the passage open or correct structural issues through septoplasty or rhinoplasty. In some cases, non-surgical interventions can be used. These methods typically involve the use of dilators, like breathing strips. These help hold the nose open and can treat minor cases.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you believe that you have a collapsed nasal valve or another nasal issue that is affecting your breathing, contact the St. Louis Sinus Center today. Our team is committed to using state-of-the-art diagnostic services and providing cutting-edge care to ensure patients across St. Louis, MO, are able to achieve the relief they desire. Contact our office today at (314) 582-0888 to schedule an appointment.
