Conditions Affecting Breathing: Nasal Valve Collapse

Nasal valve collapse is a condition in which the sidewalls of the nose are too weak or flexible, causing them to cave inward when a person breathes in, partially blocking airflow.

Inside each nostril, there is a narrow area — called the nasal valve — that acts as the main gateway for air entering the nose. It is the narrowest part of the entire nasal airway. When a person inhales, a slight suction effect naturally pulls the soft walls of this area inward. In most people, the cartilage in the nose is strong enough to resist this pull. In people with nasal valve collapse, however, the cartilage may be weakened, malformed, or overly flexible, allowing the walls to buckle inward during breathing.

Common symptoms include a persistent feeling of nasal congestion or stuffiness, difficulty breathing through the nose (especially during exercise or deep breaths), sleep disturbance, and snoring. [1][3] The blockage often worsens with physical activity or forceful inhalation.

Causes can include aging (which weakens nasal cartilage over time), prior nose surgery, facial trauma, or simply being born with naturally narrow or weak nasal structures.

Treatment ranges from simple to more involved:

• Nasal strips or dilators — adhesive strips or small clips that hold the nostrils open (a common, non-invasive first step).

• In-office procedures — such as radiofrequency treatment, which tightens the tissue of the nasal wall without surgery.

• Surgery — techniques like placing small cartilage grafts to reinforce the nasal wall.

A simple at-home test: if gently pulling the cheek outward beside the nose (or placing a fingertip on the side of the nostril to hold it open) noticeably improves breathing, nasal valve collapse may be a contributing factor. Using a Breathe Right strip, when properly placed over the nasal valve, is a similar at-home test for nasal valve collapse.