Nasal flaring

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Nasal flaring

Sense of smell

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

For any sign of difficulty breathing, emergency help should be sought immediately.

• There is any persistent, unexplained nasal flaring, especially in a young child.
• Bluish color develops in the lips, nail beds, or skin. This indicates that breathing difficulty is severe and may indicate that an emergency condition is developing.
• You have any suspicion that your child is having trouble breathing.

The health care provider will perform a physical exam to determine if the flaring is due to upper or lower respiratory problems. Medical history questions may include:

• When did it start?
• Is the person getting better or worse?
• Does the person look blue?
• Is the breathing noisy or are there wheezing sounds?
• Are there grunting noises with the breathing?
• Does the person look like they are working hard to breathe?
• Are they getting tired or sweaty?
• Do the muscles of the stomach, shoulders, or rib cage need to be used when the person is breathing (see intercostal retractions)?
• What other symptoms are present?

Physical examination will include careful listening to the breath sounds (auscultation).

The following tests may be performed:

• Arterial blood gas analysis
• CBC (blood test)
• ECG
• X-rays of the chest

The patient may be given oxygen.

Review Date: 05/10/2006
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.