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

Question

I had my nose set after breaking it 4 months ago, and I noticed one side looks a little droopy. Also when I breathe in on that side, my nose sinks in a very tiny bit, the other side doesn't sink in at all. When I tried the Cottle, I pulled my cheek to the side about 1 inch and covered the opposite nostril and I could actually breath a little better out of BOTH sides, a little more better out of the 'collapsed' one, but is it possible im just opening the air way a little more and my nose is fine?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You need to be examined to determine if there is internal nasal valve collapse.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

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.

Mark Samaha, MD · Answer

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

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I am proud of you for researching and knowing what the cottle test is and how to do it. Another good test is to take a breathe right strip and place it lower on the nose and see if that helps you breathe better as well. If it does then you should have an examination by an experienced nasal surgeon who may then suggest that you need special cartilage grafts to help open and support that nasal valve that is affected. You also simply may have a deviated septum obstructing one side more. Hard for me to know without looking. Hope this helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Nasal trauma can lead to midvault collapse necessitating a spreader graft to keep the internal valve open.  Best to be evaluated in person.

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

Answers (6)