The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway—and when it weakens or collapses, it can make breathing through the nose difficult or nearly impossible. This often-overlooked condition can mimic nasal congestion but doesn’t respond to traditional treatments like decongestants or allergy medications.
At ENT New York, Dr. Vandana Kumra is experienced in diagnosing nasal valve collapse through a detailed physical exam and specialized testing, such as the Cottle maneuver. Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the collapse and may include non-surgical devices, absorbable implants, or minimally invasive procedures like VivAer, which reshapes and supports the nasal valve using controlled radiofrequency energy.
For many patients, treating nasal valve collapse significantly improves sleep, athletic performance, and overall quality of life. If you're constantly breathing through your mouth or feel like your nose collapses during inhalation, this may be the underlying issue—and we can help.
