Nasal flaring describes the involuntary widening of the nostrils during breathing. This action indicates that a person is experiencing difficulty or increased effort in moving air into and out of the lungs. While it can occur temporarily during strenuous physical activity, its presence during rest can signal an underlying issue that requires attention.
The Mechanics of Nasal Flaring
Nasal flaring involves the alae nasi muscles around the nostrils. These muscles contract during inhalation, opening the nostrils and expanding the nasal passages to decrease airflow resistance. Widening the nasal opening reduces the effort to draw air into the respiratory system. This compensatory mechanism allows more air to enter the lungs when oxygen demand is high or airways are obstructed.
Medical Conditions Indicated by Nasal Flaring
Nasal flaring often accompanies medical conditions causing respiratory distress. It is a common symptom when the body struggles to obtain oxygen due to compromised airways or lung function. This is particularly observed in infants and young children, whose smaller airways are more susceptible to obstruction.
Asthma attacks can cause nasal flaring as airways inflame, swell, and produce excess mucus, constricting air passages. Muscle bands around the airways also tighten, making air movement difficult. This resistance prompts nostril flaring to compensate.
Bronchiolitis, a common viral infection in infants and young children, frequently leads to nasal flaring. This condition involves inflammation, swelling, and mucus buildup in the small airways, causing obstruction. The flaring indicates increased breathing effort to overcome this resistance.
Pneumonia, an infection inflaming lung air sacs, can result in nasal flaring, especially in children and older individuals. Air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, hindering oxygen exchange and forcing harder breathing. Similarly, croup, an infection causing upper airway swelling, manifests with a barking cough and can lead to nasal flaring as the body tries to draw air past the narrowed windpipe.
Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can induce nasal flaring due to rapid airway swelling and constriction. Any blockage in air passages, including foreign objects, can make breathing difficult and trigger this response. Nasal flaring can occur with severe infections like the flu, as the respiratory system attempts to cope with viral load and inflammation.
Recognizing Nasal Flaring and When to Act
Nasal flaring is the noticeable widening of the nostrils with each breath, indicating increased breathing effort. While it can occur during intense exercise, its presence at rest, especially in children, warrants attention.
Persistent nasal flaring, or when accompanied by other signs of respiratory distress, signals a need for prompt medical evaluation. Accompanying signs include rapid breathing, chest retractions (skin pulling in around ribs or neck), and grunting sounds during exhalation.
Bluish discoloration of the lips, skin, or nail beds (cyanosis) indicates insufficient oxygen and requires immediate emergency care. Altered consciousness, such as drowsiness, lethargy, or confusion, alongside breathing difficulties, signifies a severe problem. If these symptoms are present, particularly in infants or young children, seek emergency medical attention immediately.