Nasal flaring is the outward widening of the nostrils with each breath, indicating increased respiratory effort. This involuntary action suggests the body is working harder to draw air into the lungs. It is a physical sign, not a condition itself.
What Are Nasal Flares?
Nasal flaring is a noticeable expansion of the nostrils during inhalation. It occurs due to the contraction of muscles around the nasal cavity, such as the dilator nares. This is the body’s adaptive response to increase the upper airway’s diameter, reducing resistance and allowing more air into the lungs.
It enhances lung ventilation when oxygen demands rise. While absent in comfortable breathing, it can occur during intense physical exertion or strong emotional responses. This sign is especially concerning in infants and young children due to their smaller airways, which make them more susceptible to respiratory challenges.
Causes of Nasal Flares
Nasal flaring can stem from various underlying reasons, from temporary situations to more serious medical conditions. Respiratory distress is a common cause, where conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or croup increase breathing effort. The body instinctively flares the nostrils to compensate for difficulty getting enough air.
Blocked airways also contribute to nasal flaring. Conditions like nasal congestion from colds, allergies, a deviated septum, or nasal polyps can partially obstruct nasal passages. This obstruction forces the body to work harder to pull in air, leading to the visible widening of the nostrils. Chronic inflammation, such as allergic rhinitis or sinusitis, can similarly cause irritation and prompt flaring to maintain airflow.
Other factors not directly related to respiratory illness can also induce temporary nasal flaring. Intense physical activity, like running, increases the body’s demand for oxygen, causing nostrils to flare as part of the effort to take in more air. Strong emotions such as fear, anger, or excitement can trigger nasal flaring as part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, preparing the respiratory system for increased oxygen intake.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some nasal flaring is temporary, certain accompanying signs indicate a need for prompt medical evaluation. Persistent nasal flaring, especially if it does not resolve with rest or after a clear temporary cause, warrants attention. This is particularly true for infants and young children, where it can be an early indication of respiratory compromise.
The presence of other symptoms alongside nasal flaring significantly increases the urgency for medical assessment. These red flags include:
Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
Retractions (when the skin pulls in around the ribs, neck, or collarbone with each breath)
Grunting sounds during exhalation
Bluish discoloration of the lips, skin, or nail beds (cyanosis), signaling dangerously low oxygen levels and requiring immediate emergency care
Lethargy
Decreased responsiveness
Inability to feed or drink
High fever
Wheezing
High-pitched sound called stridor
If any of these signs are observed, seek immediate medical attention.
Supportive Measures and Outlook
General supportive measures focus on providing comfort and aiding breathing while any underlying cause is identified and addressed. Keeping the individual calm and providing adequate rest can help reduce respiratory effort. Ensuring proper hydration through fluids is also beneficial, as it can help thin mucus and support overall bodily function. Using a humidifier can add moisture to the air, which may help alleviate congestion-related issues and make breathing more comfortable.
The resolution of nasal flaring depends on its root cause. If due to a temporary factor like intense crying or exertion, it typically subsides quickly once the cause is removed. When nasal flaring is a symptom of a respiratory condition, addressing that underlying issue is paramount. For example, treating asthma with appropriate medications or clearing congestion can lead to its resolution.
In cases of more serious respiratory conditions, nasal flaring will resolve as the condition is effectively managed and treated. Nasal flaring itself is not directly treated but serves as a symptom indicating a need for intervention. Early diagnosis and management of the underlying problem often lead to positive outcomes, with the flaring diminishing as breathing improves.