Nasal flaring

Diseases & Conditions

Injuries

Nutrition

Poisons

Special Topics

Surgeries

Symptoms

Tests

Health Information Library

Find

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	R	S	T	U	V	W	Y


Nasal flaring


Sense of smell

Overview	Treatment

Nasal flaring

Definition

Nasal flaring refers to enlargement of the opening of the nostrils during breathing.

Alternative Names

Flaring of the alae nasi (nostrils); Nostrils - flaring

Considerations

Nasal flaring is seen mostly in infants and younger children. Nasal flaring is often an indication that increased effort is required for breathing.

Any condition that causes the infant to work harder to obtain enough air can cause nasal flaring. While many causes of nasal flaring are not serious, some can be life-threatening.

In young infants, nasal flaring can be a very important sign of respiratory distress.

Causes

Airway obstruction (any cause)
Bronchiolitis
Croup
Asthma (acute)
Acute epiglottitis
Transient tachypnea of the newborn
Pneumonia

Review Date: 5/4/2004
Reviewed By: Katrina McPherson, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

_{The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.}

Home | Site Map | Detailed Search | Contact Us | Privacy & Patient Rights