Insufficient nasal valve

The valve of the nose is the narrowest point in the upper airway, which ensures the "swirling" of the air flow, which, moving turbulently, travels the greatest distance in the nasal cavity. During this movement, the air we breathe is humidified, warmed or cooled and purified. Narrowing of the nasal valve is a common cause of nasal breathing problems.

The following main causes of nasal valve insufficiency can be distinguished:

  • Anatomical structure of the nose.
  • Injury to the nose.
  • Complication after rhinoplasty or septoplasty.

There are two types of valves: external and internal. We will get acquainted with the structure of each of them below.

The external valve of the nose is formed by the lateral pedicle of the pterygoid cartilage, its medial pedicle, the caudal edge of the nasal septum, the most anterior part of the premaxillary crest, and the soft tissue connecting the lateral pedicle of the pterygoid cartilage with the edge of the piriform foramen.

By internal or "true" nasal valve is meant the opening formed by the caudal edge of the triangular cartilage and the cartilage of the nasal septum. It is believed that the inner valve should have an angle of about 15 degrees. Periodically, the lower border of the valve is the anterior end of the inferior turbinate, which increases due to blood filling due to the nasal cycle. The rounding of the caudal edge of the triangular cartilage plays an important role in the expansion of the nasal cavity at the level of the valve and helps to increase the flow of inhaled air.

Treatment for nasal valve insufficiency

Conservative treatment of nasal valve dysfunction

People with developed nasal muscles have better nasal breathing compared to those with rudimentary nasal muscles. Based on this principle, a technique for training the muscles of the nose according to the principle of "biofeedback" is proposed.

The purpose of the training is to develop the skills of correct breathing using special equipment (breathing sensors, ECG sensors, EMG sensors).

The sensors are used in testing to determine the basic parameters of breathing (parameters of chest, abdominal breathing and heart rate). Based on the data obtained, the doctor draws up an individual training program for the patient.

The main method of treatment of NK insufficiency is surgical.

Surgical treatment of nasal valve dysfunction

  • Strengthening the weakened wing of the nose by installing autocartilaginous strips, most often called "batten graft".
  • Placement of the so-called "expanding" grafts (spreader grafts) between the upper edges of the triangular cartilage and the cartilage of the nasal septum.
  • M-plasty - resection of the caudal part of the triangular cartilage.
  • A group of methods for expanding the nasal valve using sutures.

Postoperative period

The postoperative period is very important for the normal recovery of nasal functions. In the Department of Otorhinolaryngology K+31, our doctors competently and professionally take care of the nasal cavity in the early postoperative period, which allows you to speed up your recovery and avoid complications.

Features of treatment in K+31

  • Highly qualified specialists.
  • Detailed diagnostics (own laboratory, MRI, CT, X-ray, biopsy).
  • International treatment protocols - taking into account foreign and Russian standards.
  • Selection of a minimally invasive technique.

Service record

Services



Specialists

All specialists
Sadikov
Ilya Sergeyevich

Head of the Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology, Otorhinolaryngologist

Tetzoeva
Zalina Muratovna

Head of the department of otorhinolaryngology, otorhinolaryngologist

PhD

Osipova
Irina Andreevna

ENT doctor

PhD

Lapshina
Anastasia Andreevna

Otolaryngologist, audiologist

Lopatin
Andrew Stanislavovich

Chief Specialist in Otorhinolaryngology

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Portnyagina
Maria Pavlovna

Audiologist-otorhinolaryngologist

Kaspranskaya
Galina Rustemovna

Otorhinolaryngologist, otoneurologist, audiologist

PhD

Budeikina
Liliya Sergeevna

Otorhinolaryngologist, phoniatrist