Learn About Nasal Flaring
Nasal flaring occurs when the nostrils widen while breathing. It is often a sign of trouble breathing.
Flaring of the alae nasi (nostrils); Nostrils - flaring
Nasal flaring is seen mostly in infants and younger children.
Any condition that causes difficulty breathing can cause nasal flaring. Many causes of nasal flaring are not serious, but some can be life threatening.
In young infants, nasal flaring can be a sign of respiratory distress. This is a serious lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and into the blood.
Nasal flaring may be caused by any of the following:
- Asthma flare-up
- Blocked airway (any cause)
- Swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchiolitis)
- Problem breathing and a barking cough (croup)
- Swollen or inflamed tissue in the area that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis)
- Lung problems, such as infection or long-term damage (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
- Breathing disorder in newborns (transient tachypnea of the newborn)
Seek emergency help right away if you or your child has signs of a breathing difficulty.
Contact your health care provider if:
- There is any persistent, unexplained nasal flaring, especially in a young child.
- Bluish color develops in the lips, nail beds, or skin. This is a sign that breathing difficulty is severe. It may mean that an emergency condition is developing.
- You think that your child is having trouble breathing.
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about the symptoms and medical history. Questions may include:
- When did the symptoms start?
- Are they getting better or worse?
- Is the breathing noisy, or are there wheezing sounds?
- What other symptoms are there, such as sweating or feeling tired?
- Do the muscles of the stomach, shoulders, or rib cage pull inward during breathing?
The provider will listen carefully to the breath sounds. This is called auscultation.
Tests that may be done include:
- Arterial blood gas analysis
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart
- Pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen level
- X-rays of the chest
Oxygen may be given if there is a breathing problem.
University Primary Care Practices Inc
Natalie Evans is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Conneaut, Ohio. Dr. Evans is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Flaring. Her top areas of expertise are Deep Vein Thrombosis, Pulmonary Embolism, Venous Insufficiency, Embolectomy, and Thrombectomy. Dr. Evans is currently accepting new patients.
Proliance Surgeons
Samson J. Lee, MD, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Minor in Music Performance. He then graduated from Duke University School of Medicine and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha society for academic excellence. At Duke University, Dr. Lee received the Howard Hughes Medical Student Investigator Award twice for his research on immunotherapy of brain tumors. He then completed a general surgery internship at the University of Washington. This was followed by a year of research in pediatric craniofacial biology as a National Institutes of Health Scholar.Following this, Dr. Lee completed an otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency over four years at the University of Washington. He then went on to complete extensive additional training in facial cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery in California. He completed his fellowship by achieving the second highest board examination score in the nation for facial plastic and reconstructive surgery earning him the Jack P. Anderson Award from the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Dr. Lee's practice is focused on general medical and surgical problems of the head and neck with a focus on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In addition to performing cosmetic procedures, he has extensive training and experience in facial reconstruction after trauma and skin cancer removal, including rhinoplasty.Dr. Lee is double-board certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery as well as cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Washington. He regularly teaches residents facial plastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery techniques at affiliated University of Washington Hospitals. Dr. Lee has been selected as a "Seattle Top Doctor" in both Seattle and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine for otolaryngology and facial plastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery every year since 2011. Dr. Lee is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Flaring. His top areas of expertise are Aseptic and Alopecic Nodules of Scalp (AANS), Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, and Perichondritis.
Proliance Surgeons
Anh Q. Truong, MD, is an Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck surgeon (ear, nose and throat specialist). He loves his job and he believes that the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. He enjoys teaching and working with patients as a team. By carefully listening to and educating patients, he hopes to assist them in making the best decision regarding their care.Dr. Truong provides a wide variety of specialized medical and surgical services in both adult and pediatric ENT. He finds the continual advancement in the field of ENT astonishing and enjoys employing new technology in patient care when appropriate. He practices comprehensive adult and pediatric ENT with a focus on nasal & sinus surgery, endocrine surgery, and voice and throat disorder.He grew up in the Puget Sound region and returned in 2014 to join Bellevue ENT to be close to family and friends. On his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, snowboarding, working on projects in the house and spending time with his wife and daughters. Dr. Truong is also fluent in Vietnamese. Dr. Truong is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Flaring. His top areas of expertise are Infant Hearing Loss, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Tinnitus, and DFNB1.
Summary: Critically ill patients are exposed to many sources of discomfort and traumatic experiences, especially if they require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Dyspnea, or sensation of not getting enough air - suffocation is the most common and distressing symptom experienced by IMV patients, far more unpleasant than pain. But, contrarily to pain, dyspnea has received only little attention and is s...
Published Date: April 17, 2024
Published By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Rodrigues KK, Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 433.
Rotta AT, Martin CJK, Sarnaik AP. Acute care of respiratory distress and failure. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 86.