Nasal collapse refers to a structural failure of the nasal passages, which significantly impedes the normal flow of air. This condition happens when the cartilage and bone that give the nose its shape and stability weaken, causing the airway to narrow or close upon inhalation. The resulting obstruction can severely affect breathing quality. Recognizing the signs of nasal collapse is the first step toward understanding the anatomical problem and seeking appropriate solutions.
Identifying the Key Symptoms of Collapse
The most noticeable sign of a collapsing nose is a persistent and often progressive difficulty in breathing through one or both nostrils. This functional obstruction is different from the temporary stuffiness caused by allergies or a cold because it does not improve with standard decongestants or nasal sprays. Patients frequently report that the struggle to breathe worsens during physical exertion, as increased airflow pressure pulls the weakened structures inward, or when lying down at night.
A clear indicator of this structural failure is dynamic collapse, where the nostril wall visibly moves inward, or suctions, with each deep breath. This visual confirmation of the collapse is often coupled with a feeling of constant nasal blockage that does not resolve. To test for this at home, a person can perform a simple check called the Cottle maneuver, which involves gently pulling the cheek skin next to the nose outward. If breathing immediately improves when the nasal passage is mechanically opened, it suggests that a collapse or narrowing is the cause of the obstruction.
Beyond the purely functional issues, a collapsing nose can also present with aesthetic or visual changes. The nose may begin to look thinner, more pinched, or asymmetrical in the lower or middle third. In some cases, a severe loss of central support can lead to a “saddle nose” appearance, characterized by a visible depression or concavity along the bridge. These observable changes are a direct result of the underlying cartilage framework losing its ability to maintain the nose’s shape.
Structural Causes of Nasal Collapse
Nasal collapse is fundamentally a mechanical issue where the cartilage designed to keep the airway open fails to resist the negative pressure created during inhalation. The most common form of this failure involves the nasal valve, which is the narrowest point of the nasal airway responsible for regulating airflow. This valve is divided into two distinct areas: the internal and external nasal valves.
The internal nasal valve is situated inside the nose, located where the upper lateral cartilage meets the septum. When this internal structure is compromised, it causes narrowing in the upper-middle portion of the nose, which may not be externally visible but significantly restricts air intake. The external nasal valve, in contrast, is the opening of the nostril itself, supported by the alar cartilage. Collapse here is often more visually apparent, as the nostril rim will visibly cave in when a person inhales deeply.
Another major anatomical factor contributing to structural failure is the nasal septum, the central wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal cavity. A deviated septum, which is crooked or bent, can unevenly divide the nasal valve area, weakening the surrounding cartilage and predisposing it to collapse. Damage or perforation to the septum can lead to a loss of the nose’s central support beam, which is necessary to maintain the integrity of the entire nasal structure.
Factors That Increase Collapse Risk
Several factors can weaken the nasal cartilage and increase the likelihood of a structural collapse, with a history of nasal surgery being one of the most common triggers. Surgical procedures like rhinoplasty can inadvertently destabilize the nose if too much cartilage is removed or if structural support is not adequately preserved or reconstructed. The aggressive reduction of cartilage, especially during procedures aimed at reducing a nasal hump, can compromise the framework’s ability to resist internal forces.
Physical trauma is another significant risk factor, as a direct hit or injury to the nose can fracture or weaken the delicate supporting cartilage. Even minor trauma can accelerate the weakening process in people who may already have naturally softer or thinner cartilage. Over time, the natural process of aging contributes to the risk, as the cartilage and connective tissues that support the nasal structure gradually weaken and soften.
Certain underlying conditions, such as connective tissue disorders or chronic inflammatory processes, can also compromise the structural integrity of the nose. These conditions may weaken cartilage or cause significant scar tissue formation, which reduces the nose’s ability to maintain its open airway. If a person recognizes the signs of progressive breathing difficulty and has any of these predisposing factors, consulting a specialist for a thorough structural evaluation is advisable.