Nasal flaring: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Nasal flaring; Flaring of the alae nasi (nostrils); Nostrils – flaring

What is flaring of the wings of the nose?

Nasal flaring is a symptom, which occurs, when the nostrils are dilated or widen during or between breaths. This can usually occur in response to breathing problems due to physical activity or the environment., but can also be a sign of certain underlying diseases.

Nasal flaring occurs mainly in infants and young children..

Any State, causing difficulty breathing, can cause nasal flaring. Many reasons for this are not serious, but some of them can be life threatening.

In young children, swelling of the wings of the nose can be a sign of respiratory failure. . This is a serious lung disease., which prevents sufficient oxygen from reaching the lungs and blood.

Causes of flaring of the wings of the nose

Nasal flaring is usually caused by an increase in airway pressure in response to an underlying illness or physical activity..

Medical causes of nasal flaring:

• Asthma
• Nasal allergy (hay fever)
• Sinus infections
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome
• Rhinosinusitis
• Infectious diseases, including influenza and pneumonia.
• Kistoznyi fibrosis
• Congenital heart defects

Physical causes of nose flaring

• Physical activity, such as running or exercising.
• Great Heights
• Low temperature
• Smoke, dust or other irritants in the environment.

Nasal flaring symptoms

The main symptom is the expansion of the nostrils during breathing.. It may be noticeable, when the person is breathing normally, or may become more pronounced, when he breathes more heavily or with more difficulty.

Other symptoms may accompany nasal flaring, depending on the cause of increased breathing pressure. This may include:

• Cough
• wheezing
• Labored breathing
• Hurried breathing
• Sneezing
• Cold
• Itching in the eyes
• Refine in Gruda

When to see a doctor

If you or a loved one is experiencing nasal flaring, it is important to seek medical attention. This is especially necessary, if the symptom is accompanied by other breathing difficulties, such as cough, wheezing or difficulty breathing.

If you have an underlying condition, which can cause nasal flaring, it is important to closely monitor the symptom, since it may indicate an exacerbation (worsening) states.

If flaring of the wings of the nose appeared for the first time or suddenly became more pronounced, it is important to seek medical attention, to determine the underlying cause.

Questions, that your doctor may ask

When talking with a doctor about flaring of the wings of the nose, he may ask several questions., to diagnose. This may include:

• How long have you had nasal flaring?
• Is the inflation of the wings of the nose limited to certain actions or conditions?
• Have you or a loved one recently been infected or exposed to environmental irritants?
• Do you have an underlying disease, e.g. asthma or allergies?
• Are you experiencing any other associated symptoms, when your nose swells?

Nasal flaring diagnosis

Your doctor, probably, will first conduct a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history and lifestyle. He may order additional tests, to help diagnose, such as a chest x-ray or a spirometry test to measure lung function. depending on your situation, they may also order a blood test or an electrocardiogram (ECG).

Nasal flare treatment

Treatment for nasal flaring depends on the underlying disorder or cause..

With such diseases, like asthma and allergies, treatment may include inhalers, antihistamines or steroid drugs. For sinus infections or rhinosinusitis, treatment may include antibiotics and other medications to reduce inflammation.

If you experience nasal flaring due to physical activity, treatment may include reducing the intensity or duration of activity.

Nasal flare treatment at home

If the swelling of the wings of the nose is caused by an allergy, asthma or other illness, using a home treatment plan can help reduce symptoms.

• Avoid actions, which can lead to redness of the nose, such as intense physical activity or exposure to environmental irritants.
• Try to reduce the amount of stress in your life, since stress can increase the expansion of the alar of the nose.
• Use a humidifier, to humidify the air and reduce irritation.
• Keeping the house clean, to reduce dust and other allergens.

Prevention of nasal flaring

The best way to prevent flaring is to control the underlying disease or reduce exposure to environmental irritants., if applicable.

• Follow treatment plans, recommended doctor, and take all prescribed medications.
• Avoid exposure to irritants, such as tobacco smoke, dust and strong fumes.
• Keep your home clean and reduce sources of dust and other irritants.
• Replace air filters in heating systems regularly, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).
• Be careful with physical activity, reducing the intensity or duration of activity as needed.

Used sources and literature

Rodrigues KK. Roosevelt GE. Acute inflammatory upper airway obstruction (croup, epiglottitis, laryngitis, and bacterial tracheitis). In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 412.

Sarnaik AP, Clark JA, Heidemann SM. Respiratory distress and failure. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Bloom NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 89.