1. What is nasal valve obstruction?

 

Nasal valve obstruction happens when the narrowest part of your nasal airway collapses or becomes blocked. This makes it hard to breathe through your nose, especially during exercise or sleep.

 

2. What causes nasal valve obstruction?

 

It can be caused by a weak nasal wall, previous nose surgery, injury, or just how your nose is shaped. Some people are born with narrow nasal valves that get worse over time.

 

3. What are common symptoms of nasal valve obstruction?

 

You may feel like your nose is always stuffy, even when you don’t have a cold. You might breathe through your mouth a lot or feel like one or both sides of your nose collapse when you inhale.

 

4. How is nasal valve obstruction different from a stuffy nose?

 

A stuffy nose from a cold or allergies usually comes and goes. Nasal valve obstruction is more constant and doesn’t always respond to medications or nasal sprays.

 

5. What is nasal airway remodeling?

 

Nasal airway remodeling is a simple, in-office procedure that strengthens and opens the nasal valve area using low-temperature radiofrequency energy. It helps you breathe better without surgery.

 

6. How long does the nasal remodeling procedure take?

 

The entire treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes. It’s done with local numbing medicine, and there’s no need for general anesthesia.

 

7. Does nasal remodeling hurt?

 

Most patients feel only mild pressure or warmth during the procedure. Numbing medicine is used to keep you comfortable the whole time.

 

8. How soon will I feel results after nasal airway remodeling?

 

Some people notice better breathing right away, while others improve gradually over a few weeks as the tissue heals and strengthens.

 

9. Is nasal airway remodeling permanent?

 

The results are long-lasting. While nothing lasts forever, studies show that many patients still breathe better 1 to 2 years after the procedure.

 

10. Who should consider this treatment?

 

If you’ve had trouble breathing through your nose for a long time and medicines or strips haven’t helped, nasal airway remodeling may be a good option for you.