Does a high nasal bridge decrease the efficiency of breathing?

Question

Hi. I wonder if a big nasal hump decrease the efficiency of breathing by heightening the nasal bridge. Maybe because it increases the space between the nostrils and the valves.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

There are many issues on the inside of the nose that can cause breathing problems such as valve collapse, vestibular stenosis, turbinate hypertrophy, a deviated nasal septum, allergies, and chronic sinusitis.  Each one of these issues are treated differently with either medications and/or surgery.  The dorsal hump has nothing to do with breathing deficiencies.  Functional nasal surgery can accomplish improvement of  breathing, while a cosmetic rhinoplasty can accomplish removal of the dorsal hump.  For more information about the differences between a cosmetic rhinoplasty and and functional septoplasty, please see the video below

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

The opposite is usually true.  A low bridge, particularly one caused by bad rhinoplasty, is more likely to cause breathing obstruction. Raising the bridge in this case improves airflow. A bump on the bridge usually means that the internal  valves are high and supported.

Jag Chana, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

A dorsal hump in itself will not cause any problems with breathing. There may be a multitude of reasons why breathing through the nose may be impaired. You need an examination carried out by a rhinoplasty surgeon to determine the cause. This may be due to septal problems, turbinate problems, valve issues or other pathology. I would find a board certified surgeon in your area.

William H. Sabbagh, MD · Answer

Hi humptydumpty, Yes a very high nasal dorsum can block breathing.  This is called tension tip.  The nose has a cery high, thin bump on the bridge and is thinner just below the lower edge of the bones.  It is as if the bony and cartilage framework are too big for the skin of the nose causing it to be pulled down in the middle vault causing collapse of the internal valve.  It can be improved by lowering the bridge which makes the structure fit the skin and add spreader grafts to correct the internal valve collapse.  There are other far more common causes of airway blockage.  The exact cause would be determined during your consultation.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A high nasal bridge does not impact your breathing. Other factors including physical, mechanical, sensorial, and chemical can affect breathing.

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi thanks for your query,external nasal bumps are very unlikely to cause difficulty in breathing. however ,   unless the bridge of the nose is collapsed,gross septal deviation,big boggy turbinates ,sino nasal polyps internasal  nasal valve stenosis any factors like these contributing to restriction of air way will interfere with breathing.Hence  do seek an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon ,also get an nasal endoscopic examination for confirmation of obstructing cause Good luck .

Michael M. Omidi, MD, FACS · Answer

The external appearance of the nose and the breathing are rarely related unless there is visual collapse of the nostrils or soft tissue higher up. Usually patients with difficulty breathing have a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates.  Majority of the volume of the air travels in the lower half of the nose. An in-person exam with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to assess your needs and obtain expert medical advice. Best of luck!

David Shamouelian, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question!
A high nasal bridge usually does not affect nasal breathing. The majority of the nasal airway which contributes to breathing is the lower third which might be affected a deviated septum or enlarged nasal turbinates. Allergies may also contribute to nasal obstruction.

Good Luck and I hope this helps!
Dr. David

Does a high nasal bridge decrease the efficiency of breathing?

Answers (8)

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