I Tried Cottle Test and I Think I Have a Collapsed Nasal Valve, Is It Possible My Nose is Fine?

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Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

You are describing a typical finding of nasal valve collapse. If you continue to have obstructive symptoms, you can consider having an examination by a board certified specialist. I like to address nasal valve collapse with a spreader graft. This is usually covered through insurance.

Hello Brittany,

It sounds from your description that there may be some collapse. However, the "sinking" you described can also be due to a narrower passage on that side which in turn can be due to a septal deviation. The only way to find out is to be examined by an experienced nasal surgeon. Nasal valve collapse and some forms of deviated septum are often overlooked. A surgeon with extensive experience in nasal surgery would be able to perform a thorough evaluation of the anatomy of your nose and diagnose the potential cause of the nasal obstruction. 

The Cottle test is not a "specific" test, which means that its presence does not identify one particular problem area, nor does it confirm the diagnosis of valve collapse.

Best of luck. MS