The Cottle test is the most widely used method for investigating the presence of nasal valve collapse. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of positive Cottle test among randomly selected volunteers and discuss the potential diagnostic implications of this finding.
Methods
Fifty-six randomly selected volunteers were assessed through a work-up focusing on nasal sinus symptoms and submitted to anterior rhinoscopy (AR) and the Cottle test. Examiners were blinded as to patients’ complaints.
Results
Of the 56 volunteers, 16 (29%) presented a positive Cottle test. Among these, 7 had no complaints of nasal obstruction, while 9 presented complaints. Of these 9, only 2 showed no other alteration in AR that might explain the obstruction, while in all the others with nasal obstruction and positive Cottle test it was possible to detect by AR other findings that could contribute to or account for the nasal obstruction.
Conclusions
Although universally accepted, the Cottle test is positive in diverse situations, even in individuals with no complaint of nasal obstruction. Its routine utilization can raise diagnostic doubt concerning the need for concomitant surgical correction of nasal valve collapse in cases involving other associated structural alterations.
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