Do I have collapsed nasal valve? If so, where do i go for diagnosis and treatment? (photo)

Question

I'm a 66 y/o woman who had deviated septum repair and turbinate reduction six months ago but my congestion and breathlessness is getting worse to the point where I feel like I'm dying. I can barely walk without seriously hyperventilating. My current ent keeps saying everything looks fine but now it has gotten to the point where I feel like it's urgent but I don't know if I need to find another ENT or go directly to a plastic surgeon. I need a surgeon who will accept my medicare.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Kathijkg,I am sorry you are having difficulty with your nose. It sounds like you need to see an ENT specialist ASAP to assess your breathing problems. I would get a second opinion as you should not feel like you are dying. A full exam is necessary to assess if you have a collapsed nasal valve. Best of luck!Best regards,Nima Shemirani

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

You may have some degree of nasal valve collapse, but it is not possible to complete the diagnosis on the basis of a photo. Regardless, your breathing problems to me sound far more serious than just a nasal valve. I would strongly recommend that you see your internist or cardiologist for a complete assessment of your heart, lungs, circulation and respiratory systems, given the significant degree of your symptoms ( feels like your dying, barely walk and serious hyperventilating ). Please don't put this off. See your physician as soon as possible and tell him/her how you feel with breathlessness and related serious concerns.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

You don't have external nasal valve collapse but you do have soft tissue constriction in the internal nares on your lateral skin per your photo; an examination of your nose with a speculum is needed to determine if you have internal nasal valve collapse.

Do I have collapsed nasal valve? If so, where do i go for diagnosis and treatment? (photo)

Answers (3)