Nasal flaring
Alternative names:
flaring of the alae nasi (nostrils); nostrils - flaring
Home care:
For suspected airway obstruction
(blocked airway), the Heimlich
maneuver should be performed and emergency help sought
immediately.
For nasal flaring that is not a sign of airway obstruction,
prescribed therapy should be followed.
Call 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 indicates that breathing
difficulty is severe and may indicate that an emergency
condition is developing.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
A quick physical assessment of the child to determine if
the flaring is due to upper or lower respiratory problems.
Administration of oxygen if needed and ordering of any lab
work or X-Rays that might assist in the diagnosis. Obtaining
a medical history.
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).
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related
to nasal flaring, you may want to note that diagnosis in your
personal medical record.
Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
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