What is nasal flaring a sign of in infants?

Nasal flaring is a clinical sign that indicates an infant is experiencing respiratory distress. This occurs as a compensatory mechanism when the child is struggling to get enough oxygen. In infants, the nasal passages are relatively small, and when they are in respiratory distress, they may flare their nostrils to increase airflow and improve oxygen intake. This behavior often accompanies other signs of respiratory distress, such as increased respiratory rate or use of accessory muscles for breathing.

While nasal flaring can be associated with respiratory infections, it is the general indication of respiratory distress that is significant here. Normal breathing in infants does not involve nasal flaring; it occurs in a relaxed, unobstructed manner. Hypovolemia, or decreased blood volume, can lead to different symptoms and is not typically associated with nasal flaring. Thus, recognizing nasal flaring as a sign of respiratory distress allows healthcare providers to respond promptly, providing the necessary interventions to address potential hypoxemia or deterioration in respiratory function.