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Nasal Obstruction

What is

Nasal airway obstruction?

Nasal airway obstruction is a condition in which the nasal passages are blocked and prevent a normal or comfortable amount of air from passing through the nose. Nasal airway obstruction affects more than 20 million Americans1 and can occur because of a structural abnormality in the nose or because of inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages. With nasal breathing delivering approximately 70% of airflow to the lungs,2 any blockage that limits airflow can cause significant quality-of-life consequences.3

NasalObstruction

What causes

Nasal Airway Obstruction?

Even a slight narrowing of the nasal valve can lead to significant reduction in airflow.4-6 Structural blockages in 3 areas are common:

Septum: The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.

Turbinates: Ridges of bone and tissue inside the nose can limit airflow when enlarged.

Lateral (side) wall: Weak or excessively flexible upper/lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.

Lateral wall collapse may equal or even exceed septal deviation as the prime cause of nasal airway obstruction.

Play Cottle Test

cottleManeuver

Try the Simple Cottle Test

Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side?

If yes, talk to your doctor about options to support your lateral nasal cartilage, which may include the LATERA® implant.

Is lateral wall collapse contributing to my

Nasal airway obstruction?

To determine whether the lateral wall is contributing to your nasal airway obstruction, a clinician may use a number of approaches. Examples include:

  • A simple breathing test called the Cottle test (see animation)
  • Use of nasal strips during normal activity and sleep

If your symptoms improve from either of the above, you may benefit from support of the lateral nasal wall.

Try the Simple Cottle Test

Does your breathing improve when you pull on your cheek to hold your nostril to the side?

If yes, talk to your doctor about options to support your lateral nasal cartilage, which may include the LATERA® implant.

 

Is my quality of life affected by

Nasal Airway Obstruction?

The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) survey9 is an assessment tool designed to capture how your breathing symptoms are affecting your quality of life. It is a simple 5-question survey and uses a 20-point scale to capture breathing symptoms, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms than lower scores. Take the NOSE survey below and print or email your results to discuss with your doctor.

NOSE Survey

Over the past ONE month, how much of a problem were the following conditions for you? Please click the most correct response for each one.

Not a
Problem

Very Mild
Problem

Moderate
Problem

Fairly Bad
Problem

Severe
Problem









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    YOUR RESULTS

    Mild: 5-25 points

    Based on your answers, you have mildmoderatesevereextreme breathing symptoms that may be affecting your quality of life.

    Print a PDF of your results to discuss with your physician.

    - OR -

    Have a PDF of your results emailed to you.


    By submitting, I agree to receive future information from Spirox®.

     

    The NOSE Survey is intended for screening and is NOT a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding your condition and individual symptoms, as situations and circumstances may vary.

     

    Stewart MG, Witsell DL, Smith TL, Weaver EM, Yueh B, Hannley MT. Development and validation of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2004;130:157-163.

    Print or download the NOSE survey and fill it out at your convenience.

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