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
Steven M. Dawson, MD, is a board-certified otolaryngologist and has been practicing in Kirkland for over 28 years. His almost three decades of experience has armed him with a vast knowledge of ENT conditions focusing on the diagnoses and treatment of chronic sinus and nasal issues.His late father and brother were both doctors in Iowa, and his dad strongly encouraged him to follow in his footsteps. He decided to go into otolaryngology because he loves the idea of helping people solve the problems that are keeping them from enjoying life.Dr. Dawson has been active in the local medical community as a former Chief of Surgery at Evergreen Hospital. He is professionally interested in minimally invasive sinus surgeries and the most recent up-to-date imaging and surgical techniques.As a true Seattle sports enthusiast, Steven is a Seattle Seahawks season ticket holder and a strong supporter of bringing back the Seattle Supersonics. He enjoys golfing, skiing, hiking and fishing.Steven Dawson has been recognized by Seattle Met as a Top Doctor for many years running including 2019, 2020 and 2021. Dr. Dawson is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Flaring. His top areas of expertise are Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, Perichondritis, Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), and Septoplasty.
Proliance Surgeons
Peter F. Maurice, MD, is a highly specialized otolaryngologist, and fellowship-trained in plastic surgery. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology.Dr. Maurice received his medical degree from Georgetown University, in Washington, DC, where he was elected to membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his residency in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at Georgetown University Hospital.Dr. Maurice then was selected for a fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. This full-year training program gave him a unique opportunity to study with one of the AAFPRS's master surgeons in Albuquerque, New Mexico.At South Seattle Otolaryngology, patients benefit from a team of on-site audiologists and allergy specialists, in addition to a team of otolaryngologists with over 50 years of combined experience. Dr. Maurice is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Nasal Flaring. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Nasal Septal Hematoma, Low Nasal Bridge, and Sinusitis.
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.