[Collapse of the nasal alae and instruments for treating this condition, especially with the Feldbausch nasal dilator. Pictures from the history of otorhinolaryngology, presented by instruments from the collection of the German Museum of Medical History in Ingolstadt].

Although the anatomy of the nasal muscles and the active movement of the nasal alae brought about by them, were already known in ancient times (Galenos), it was only at the end of the 19th century that the collapse of the nasal alae was recognized as a passive mechanism obstructing the inspiratory air passages. Since surgical methods for treating this condition were not available at that time, various small gadgets to be introduced into the nasal vestibulum were invented for stabilising the alae. Among these, Feldbausch's nasal dilator was the best known. It was in use up to the middle of this century, but then became completely obsolete. The history of this chapter of rhinology is related primarily by means of literal quotations of the phrases with which the authors presented their devices and praised their virtues.