Nasal Valve Dysfunction

What is Nasal Valve Dysfunction?

Nasal valve dysfunction is a common condition that occurs when the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway, becomes narrowed or collapses. This can lead to difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, dry mouth, and sleep disturbances.

Anatomy of the Nasal Valve

The nasal valve consists of both external and internal components, primarily shaped by the nasal cartilages:

  • Upper Lateral Cartilages: These cartilages form the lateral walls of the nasal cavity and contribute to the structure of the internal nasal valve.
  • Lower Lateral Cartilages: These cartilages form the lower lateral walls of the nasal cavity and contribute to the structure of the external nasal valve.
Services & Procedures

Causes of Nasal Valve Dysfunction

Nasal valve dysfunction can be caused by both static and dynamic factors: 

Static Causes:

  • Anatomical narrowness
  • Deviated septum
  • Enlarged turbinates
  • Nasal polyps
  • Congenital anomalies affecting the nasal cartilages
Static Causes:
  • Nasal valve collapse during inspiration, often due to weak or insufficient support from the lateral nasal cartilages

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of nasal valve dysfunction is primarily clinical, based on: 

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination (anterior rhinoscopy and external nasal examination)
  • Positive Cottle maneuver
Nasal endoscopy can be helpful in identifying additional causes of nasal airway obstruction but is not necessary for diagnosing nasal valve dysfunction. Imaging studies like CT scans are not accurate in assessing nasal valve function.

Treatment

Treatment options for nasal valve dysfunction include:

  • Conservative Treatment:
  • Nasal dilators
  • Nasal strips
  • Intranasal corticosteroids (for turbinate hypertrophy)
  • Surgical Treatment:
  • Cartilage Grafting: To augment the nasal cartilages and widen the nasal valve
  • Radiofrequency Treatment: To stabilize the nasal valve
  • Combined Procedures: Nasal valve surgery can be combined with other procedures like septoplasty or turbinate reduction to address multiple factors contributing to nasal airway obstruction.

Conclusion

Nasal valve dysfunction is a significant cause of nasal airway obstruction. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include surgical intervention, can significantly improve patient quality of life. Understanding the role of the nasal cartilages in maintaining nasal valve function is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. 

Reference: American Academy of Otolaryngology

Back to Services & Procedures

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.