Nostril collapse occurs when nasal passage walls narrow or close inward during inhalation. This impedes airflow, making nasal breathing difficult and affecting respiratory function.
The Mechanics of Nostril Collapse
The nose’s shape and function are maintained by cartilages. Nasal valves regulate airflow through the passages. The external nasal valve, at the nostril opening, is supported by alar cartilage. The internal nasal valve is a narrower area formed by the septum, upper lateral cartilage, and inferior turbinate.
During inhalation, air creates negative pressure within nasal passages, causing unsupported or weakened areas to draw inward. If alar cartilage supporting the external nasal valve is not firm, nostril walls may collapse. Weakness in upper lateral cartilage or other internal nasal valve structures can also cause inward collapse. This obstructs the airway, reducing airflow.
Common Reasons for Collapse
Several factors weaken nasal structures, leading to collapse. Some individuals are predisposed due to naturally weaker or thinner nasal cartilage from birth. Genetic factors also influence tissue strength, meaning passages may lack rigidity to withstand inhalation pressure.
Nasal trauma, like a fracture, can damage supporting cartilage and tissues, compromising structural integrity even after healing. Aging also weakens cartilage and connective tissues, reducing nasal support firmness.
Prior nasal surgeries, including rhinoplasty, can inadvertently weaken support structures by removing too much cartilage or altering natural mechanisms. This leaves nasal walls vulnerable to collapse. A deviated septum can also narrow a nostril and weaken the nasal valve, increasing collapse risk.
Effects on Respiration and Well-being
Nostril collapse causes noticeable symptoms impacting daily life. Individuals experience difficulty breathing nasally, especially during exertion. This often leads to mouth breathing, particularly during exercise or sleep, bypassing the nose’s natural filtration and humidification.
Loud snoring results from obstructed nasal passages forcing air through a narrow opening. Mouth breathing during sleep can cause dry mouth and a feeling of congestion. These symptoms reduce sleep quality, leading to daytime fatigue and limiting physical activity.
Addressing Nostril Collapse
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination. The Cottle maneuver, where a professional gently pulls cheek skin outward near the nostril, is a common test. If this opens the nasal passage and improves breathing, it suggests nasal valve dysfunction and identifies the obstruction area.
Non-surgical approaches are often the first management. External nasal dilators, like adhesive strips, pull nostrils open for temporary relief. Internal dilators, small devices inserted into nostrils, prop passages open from inside.
When non-surgical options are insufficient, surgery provides lasting structural support. Procedures like alar batten grafts use cartilage to reinforce alar cartilage and prevent external collapse. Spreader grafts place cartilage between upper lateral cartilages and the septum to widen the internal nasal valve. These techniques strengthen weakened areas, improving airflow.