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The nasal valve is the narrowest part of your nasal passage, and it plays a crucial role in regulating airflow through your nose. It\u2019s made up of two key areas:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Because this area is so narrow, even a small weakness or narrowing can significantly restrict airflow. When the nasal valve collapses, it partially or completely blocks airflow when you breathe, particularly when you inhale. Nasal valve collapse is one of the most common causes of chronic nasal obstruction, yet it\u2019s often misdiagnosed as simple congestion.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The symptoms of nasal valve collapse can vary in severity, but they typically revolve around a persistent feeling of restricted airflow.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Common symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Many patients describe the sensation as \u201cnot getting enough air\u201d through the nose, even when it appears clear. Because of this, nasal valve collapse is often mistaken for chronic rhinitis or sinus issues.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Unlike temporary congestion, these symptoms tend to persist over time and may not respond well to standard treatments like decongestants or antihistamines.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Understanding whether the issue involves the internal or external nasal valve can help clarify symptoms, although both can occur together.<\/span><\/p>\n Internal nasal valve problems are often more subtle, and harder to detect visually. Symptoms typically include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Because there is no obvious external change, some patients may struggle for years without a clear diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n Images source: Envato<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n External nasal valve collapse is usually more visible and easier to recognise. Symptoms may include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In some cases, external valve collapse can be seen clearly in a mirror, particularly when taking a deep breath.<\/span><\/p>\n Nasal valve collapse can develop for a variety of reasons, often related to structural weakness or previous changes to your nose. Common causes include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In many cases, more than one factor is involved. For example, a patient with naturally narrow nasal passages may develop worsening symptoms over time as cartilage support weakens.<\/span><\/p>\n Images source: Envato<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n A proper diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation and physical examination by a specialist who\u2019s experienced in nasal airflow and structure. Assessment typically includes:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Because nasal valve collapse can mimic other conditions, it\u2019s important to get an accurate diagnosis before deciding on treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your symptoms and on the underlying cause. Non-surgical options available to you may include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n However, these approaches usually provide only short-term relief, and you may well find you need surgical treatment to bring about lasting improvement to your symptoms. This may include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n These procedures are designed not just to improve your breathing, but to restore long-term structural support to your nose.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019re experiencing on-going difficulty with breathing through your nose, it\u2019s important not to ignore it, especially if symptoms are affecting your daily life.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You should consider seeing a specialist if:<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Early assessment can help identify whether nasal valve collapse is the cause of your breathing difficulties and guide you toward the most effective treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Nasal valve collapse is a common but often underdiagnosed cause of breathing difficulty. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, your symptoms can be significantly improved \u2013 and in many cases, completely resolved.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Si vous avez des difficult\u00e9s \u00e0 respirer par le nez, il est tr\u00e8s facile d'en bl\u00e2mer les allergies ou un rhume. Mais pour de nombreux patients, le probl\u00e8me sous-jacent est en r\u00e9alit\u00e9 structurel, et l'une des causes les plus courantes et les plus souvent n\u00e9glig\u00e9es est l'affaissement de la valve nasale. Reconna\u00eetre les sympt\u00f4mes t\u00f4t peut faire une diff\u00e9rence significative dans la recherche du bon traitement et l'am\u00e9lioration de votre qualit\u00e9 de vie.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2462,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"\u00a0\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\n
What are the main collapsed nasal valve symptoms?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Internal vs external nasal valve collapse symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n
Internal nasal valve collapse symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\nExternal nasal valve collapse symptoms<\/span><\/h3>\n
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What causes nasal valve collapse?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nHow is nasal valve collapse diagnosed and treated?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Diagnosis<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Treatment options<\/span><\/h3>\n
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When should you see a specialist for nasal valve collapse symptoms?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Take the next step<\/span><\/h3>\n
If you suspect your symptoms may be related to nasal valve collapse, booking a consultation<\/a> with a specialist like Dr. Cuno is the best way to understand your options for restoring comfortable, natural breathing.<\/span><\/p>\nI can\u2019t breathe properly through my nose \u2013 what does it mean?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nHealthy nasal breathing should feel effortless, quiet and comfortable, allowing air to pass freely through both of your nostrils. When something interferes with this airflow, it can feel like your nose is blocked, narrow or congested.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nSome people describe feeling a constant stuffy sensation, while others notice pressure around their nose or sinuses, noisy breathing or the need to breathe through their mouth \u2013 especially at night. You might also wake up feeling dry or notice that it\u2019s harder to exercise because your nasal breathing feels restricted.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
Common reasons you can\u2019t breathe well through your nose<\/span><\/h2>\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nThere are several possible explanations for why you can\u2019t breathe properly through your nose, and sometimes there may be more than one factor involved. Some possible causes include:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
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Simple checks and home measures for a blocked nose<\/span><\/h2>\r\nWhile a proper diagnosis requires medical assessment, a few simple observations can help you understand your symptoms better.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo begin with, try these gentle self-checks:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
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\r\n\r\nImages source: Envato<\/a>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nWhen your blocked nose needs medical assessment<\/span><\/h2>\r\nIf you\u2019re concerned about persistent nasal obstruction, a specialist can assess airflow, examine internal structures and recommend appropriate treatment options.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nYou should seek medical advice if your nasal obstruction lasts more than a few weeks, gets progressively worse or begins to interfere with your sleep, work or exercise. Other reasons to arrange an assessment might include frequent sinus infections, snoring, mouth breathing at night or a reduced sense of smell.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nIf you experience severe facial pain, high fever, sudden swelling or significant difficulty breathing through both sides of your nose, go to your doctor as soon as possible.<\/span>\r\n
Surgical solutions when you still can\u2019t breathe properly through your nose<\/span><\/h2>\r\nWhen medications and conservative treatments don\u2019t resolve the problem, surgery may be the answer \u2013 particularly if there\u2019s an underlying structural issue. Common procedures include:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
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\r\n\r\nImages source: Envato<\/a>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\nHow to prepare for a consultation about nasal breathing problems<\/span><\/h2>\r\nMake the most of your appointment by coming prepared. Consider bringing:<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n
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