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Your nose plays a critical role in breathing. From the bridge to the nostrils, its bone and cartilage structures are designed to allow smooth airflow. When these structures weaken, airflow can become restricted by a condition known as nasal valve collapse.
The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and a major contributor to nasal breathing resistance. It consists of two components:
When one or both of these structures weaken or collapse during breathing, airflow becomes limited. This condition is referred to as nasal valve collapse.
Nasal valve collapse is most commonly caused by aging, as the cartilage supporting the nose weakens over time. It may also occur due to nasal trauma, prior nasal surgery, or structural abnormalities. A deviated septum is frequently present alongside nasal valve collapse, further contributing to breathing difficulty.
Some of the most common symptoms of a nasal valve collapse include:
Your symptoms may worsen, especially during physical activity or when lying down.
Treatment for nasal valve collapse depends on the severity of the condition. Your physician may first recommend non‑surgical treatments to improve airflow, such as:
These devices help support the nasal valves and widen the airway.
While rhinoplasty is commonly associated with cosmetic surgery to change the shape of the nose, it can also be performed for functional nasal airway improvement.
“More specifically, in a situation like nasal valve collapse, functional rhinoplasty can reinforce the nasal structure and correct airflow collapse, improving long‑term breathing,” says Dr. Jewel Greywoode, an ENT and facial plastic surgeon at CEENTA Uptown.
Struggling to breathe through the day?
CEENTA’s board‑certified ENT physicians can assess your nasal anatomy and rule out other causes such as allergies, sinus infections, or a deviated septum. Based on your diagnosis, personalized treatment options—including functional rhinoplasty and septoplasty—can be recommended.
Schedule your nasal examination with Dr. Greywoode online or through myCEENTAchart today to get started.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.
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