What is the symptom?
First of all, you should suspect that the person is having difficulty breathing. The symptom is especially common in children and infants. In a large percentage of clinical cases, it is an indication of respiratory distress.
The expansion of the nostrils can be caused by temporary illnesses or long-term pathologies and injuries.
Remember, physiologically, when a person breathes freely, the nostrils should not be flaring.
You may notice the expansion of the nostrils during an acute infection such as the flu. They are often characteristic of patients with pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The only case when the expansion of the nostrils during breathing is the norm is high-intensity physical activity. Have you noticed that while running, your lungs seem to be begging for much more air and you need to inhale quickly? At this time, the expansion of the nostrils is normal and should not be ignored.
Other causes are:
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice that your child or infant has persistently flaring nostrils. You should also see a pediatrician if your child's lips, skin, or fingernails turn blue.
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