Nasal flaring
Flaring of the alae nasi (nostrils); Nostrils - flaringNasal flaring occurs when the nostrils widen while breathing. It is often a sign of trouble breathing.
Trouble breathing
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleConsiderations
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.
Respiratory distress
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening lung condition that prevents enough oxygen from getting to the lungs and into the bl...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleCauses
Nasal flaring may be caused by any of the following:
- Asthma flare-up
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow. It leads to breathing difficulty such as wheezing, shortness o...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Blocked airway (any cause)
- Swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchiolitis)
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is swelling and mucus buildup in the smallest air passages in the lungs (bronchioles). It is usually due to a viral infection....
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Problem breathing and a barking cough (croup)
Croup
Croup is an infection of the upper airways that causes breathing difficulty and a barking cough. Croup is due to swelling around the vocal cords. I...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Swollen or inflamed tissue in the area that covers the windpipe (epiglottitis)
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis. This is the tissue-lined cartilage that covers the trachea (windpipe) while swallowing. Epiglottiti...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Lung problems, such as infection or long-term damage (bronchopulmonary dysplasia)
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a long-term (chronic) lung condition that affects newborn babies who were either put on a breathing machine (vent...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Breathing disorder in newborns (transient tachypnea of the newborn)
Transient tachypnea of the newborn
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a breathing disorder seen shortly after delivery, most often in early term or late preterm babies. Transi...
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Home Care
Seek emergency help right away if you or your child has signs of a breathing difficulty.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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.
Bluish color
A bluish color to the skin or mucous membrane is usually due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. The medical term is cyanosis.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleBreathing difficulty
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - You think that your child is having trouble breathing.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
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?
Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing. It occurs when air moves through narrowed breathing tubes in the lungs.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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?
Rib cage pull inward during breathing
Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs pull inward. The movement is most often a sign that the person has a breathing probl...
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The provider will listen carefully to the breath sounds. This is called auscultation.
Auscultation
Auscultation is listening to the sounds of the body during a physical examination.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTests that may be done include:
- Arterial blood gas analysis
Arterial blood gas analysis
Blood gases are a measurement of how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood. They also determine the acidity (pH) of your blood.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Complete blood count (CBC)
Complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check the heart
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Pulse oximetry to measure blood oxygen level
- X-rays of the chest
X-rays of the chest
A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
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Oxygen may be given if there is a breathing problem.
References
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.
Nasal flaring - illustration
Nasal flaring may be an indication of breathing difficulty, or even respiratory distress in infants. Check for airway obstructions, and call a health care provider.
Nasal flaring
illustration
Sense of smell - illustration
The sense of smell is primarily a function of nervous tissues in the nasal cavity.
Sense of smell
illustration
Nasal flaring - illustration
Nasal flaring may be an indication of breathing difficulty, or even respiratory distress in infants. Check for airway obstructions, and call a health care provider.
Nasal flaring
illustration
Sense of smell - illustration
The sense of smell is primarily a function of nervous tissues in the nasal cavity.
Sense of smell
illustration
Review Date: 4/17/2024
Reviewed 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.