What is nasal flaring?

Nasal flaring is a physiological response that occurs when a person's nostrils widen during breathing. It is primarily seen in infants, young children, and individuals experiencing respiratory distress.

Here are a few important points about nasal flaring:

1. Mechanism: During normal breathing, air flows easily through the nasal passages without causing any noticeable changes. However, when there is increased effort required to breathe, nasal flaring occurs as a compensatory mechanism. It helps to open up the nasal airway and allow for more air intake.

2. Causes: Nasal flaring is commonly observed in individuals who are experiencing respiratory distress. It can be caused by conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or any other condition that leads to reduced airway size or increased resistance to airflow.

3. Signs of distress: Nasal flaring is often accompanied by other signs of respiratory distress, including rapid or labored breathing, retractions (pulling in of the muscles between the ribs), grunting sounds during exhalation, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). These signs indicate the need for immediate medical attention.

4. Evaluation: Whenever nasal flaring is observed, it should prompt further evaluation by a healthcare professional. They will assess the overall respiratory status, listen to the lungs with a stethoscope, and potentially order additional tests such as chest X-rays or blood tests to determine the underlying cause.

5. Treatment: The treatment for nasal flaring depends on the underlying condition causing respiratory distress. It may involve interventions such as administering bronchodilators or corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, suctioning of airway secretions, or even mechanical ventilation in severe cases.

Nasal flaring should be taken seriously as it indicates a higher level of effort needed to breathe. Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure appropriate treatment.