Internal Nasal Valve and Its Significance

Abstract

Internal nasal valve (INV) is the narrowest area, of the nose where turbulence of the inspiratory and expiratory current takes place. This study analysis the significance of INV with respect to health and disease. Study design: Descriptive study/Prospective study. Study Centre: Tertiary Centre. 150 students were followed for 2 years after noting the endoscopic anatomic details of INV. The students who reported due to sinus/ear disease during this follow up period were again noted. The type of INV in health and disease were analysed. Septal deviation at the INV is noted in most of the cases of sinus/ear disease. It is advisable to correct the abnormality of INV if present simultaneously while clearing the ear/sinus pathology. © 2013 Association of Otolaryngologists of India.