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Nasal flaring

• Overview
• Treatment

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.

Common Causes:

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

• Review Date: 5/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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