Nasal flaring

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Nasal flaring

Sense of smell

Nasal flaring is the enlargement of the opening of the nostrils during breathing. It is often a sign that increased effort is needed to breathe.

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

Nasal flaring is seen mostly in infants and younger children.

Any condition that causes the infant to work harder to breathe 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 symptom of respiratory distress.

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

Review Date: 04/26/2010
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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