How Do You Get Rid Of A Nose Flare?

Get Started with a Dermal Filler Consultation with Dr. Laura Geige

Identifying the Cause

Medical Conditions

Identifying the cause behind a nose flare is crucial for effective treatment.

A **nose flare**, also known as *nasal flaring*, occurs when the nostrils widen excessively during inhalation.

Contact Us
It’s Me and You Clinic – Anti-Wrinkle, Dermal Filler and Skincare Clinic, Kingston, Surrey
Phone: +447754339478

50 Canbury Park Rd
Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom KT2 6LX

It can be a normal physiological response, especially during exercise or when breathing through the nose in cold weather. However, persistent or exaggerated nasal flaring can indicate an underlying medical condition.

How do you get rid of a nose flare?

Some common medical conditions associated with **nasal flaring** include:

How do you get rid of a nose flare?

  • Asthma: Narrowing of the airways due to inflammation and mucus production can cause nostrils to flare as the body tries to get more air into the lungs.
  • Allergies: Allergic rhinitis, triggered by pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, can cause inflammation in the nasal passages leading to swelling and flaring.
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)**: This group of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, restricts airflow making nostrils flare more pronounced during breathing.
  • Nasal Polyps**: These benign growths in the nasal passages can obstruct airflow, leading to flaring.
  • Deviated Septum**: A crooked or displaced nasal septum can impede airflow and cause one nostril to flare more than the other.
  • Enlarged Adenoids**: In children, enlarged adenoids (tissue behind the nose) can block airflow and lead to nasal flaring.

Other factors that can contribute to nasal flaring include:

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing persistent or bothersome nasal flaring. They can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Environmental Factors

Identifying the cause of a nose flare, often referred to as flaring nostrils, is crucial for finding effective solutions.

This condition can stem from various factors, some physiological and others environmental.

Let’s delve into the potential environmental contributors:

**1. Allergens:** Exposure to allergens like dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold spores can trigger an inflammatory response in the nasal passages. This inflammation can lead to swelling and congestion, causing nostrils to flare.

2. Irritants:** Smoke, fumes from chemicals or perfumes, air pollution, and even strong odors can irritate the nasal lining, leading to swelling and flaring.

3. Dry Air:** Low humidity levels in the environment can dry out the nasal mucous membranes. This dryness can cause the nostrils to become irritated and more prone to flaring.

4. Temperature Extremes:** Both very cold and very hot temperatures can affect nasal tissue, leading to irritation and potential flaring.

Understanding these environmental factors can help you pinpoint potential triggers for your nose flare.

Once identified, you can take steps to minimize exposure and manage the condition effectively.

Lifestyle Choices

Identifying the cause of a nose flare is crucial for addressing it effectively.

A nose flare, characterized by flaring nostrils during breathing, can be caused by various factors, some temporary and others more persistent.

  • Anatomical Factors:

    Some individuals have naturally wider nostrils or a deviated septum, predisposing them to nasal flare.

  • Respiratory Issues: Nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, or sinusitis can cause the nostrils to flare as the body attempts to draw in more air.

  • Exercise and Physical Activity:**

    During intense exertion, the body demands increased oxygen, leading to rapid breathing and potential nose flare. This is usually temporary and normal.

  • Stress and Anxiety: The physiological response to stress can include shallow breathing and flared nostrils.

  • Certain Medications:**

    Some medications, like decongestants or antihistamines, may temporarily exacerbate nasal flare.


Addressing lifestyle choices that may contribute to nose flare is essential for improvement:

  1. Manage Allergies and Nasal Congestion: Identifying and avoiding allergens, using air purifiers, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor can reduce nasal congestion and minimize flare.

  2. Practice Stress Management Techniques: Deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature can help alleviate stress-induced nasal flare.

  3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can strain the respiratory system, potentially contributing to flare.

  4. Quit Smoking: Smoking irritates the nasal passages and weakens lung function, increasing the likelihood of nose flare.

If lifestyle changes don’t effectively address nose flare, consulting a medical professional is recommended to rule out underlying conditions and explore further treatment options.

Treating Underlying Issues

Seeking Medical Advice

Addressing nose flares requires understanding their causes. Often, they stem from underlying medical issues or habits that can be modified.

Treating Underlying Issues:

  • Nasal Congestion: Conditions like allergies, colds, sinusitis, and deviated septum can cause nasal congestion, forcing the nostrils to dilate (flare).

  • Breathing Disorders: Sleep apnea and asthma might lead to nasal flaring during sleep or when experiencing breathing difficulty.

  • Medication Side Effects: Some medications, particularly decongestants used long-term, can cause rebound congestion, resulting in flares.

Seeking Medical Advice:

  1. Consultation with a Doctor: A doctor can determine the underlying cause of your nose flaring and recommend appropriate treatment.

  2. Allergy Testing: If allergies are suspected, allergy testing can identify triggers and guide management strategies.

  3. Nasal Endoscopy: For persistent or severe cases, a nasal endoscopy might be performed to visualize the nasal passages and rule out structural issues.

In addition to medical interventions, lifestyle changes can also help manage nose flares:

  • Humidifier Use: Adding moisture to the air can alleviate nasal congestion.

  • Saline Nasal Rinses: These rinses help clear mucus and irritants from the nasal passages.

  • Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding allergy triggers, such as pollen or dust mites, can reduce flaring.

Managing Allergies

Treating underlying issues is crucial for managing nasal flaring and addressing its root cause. Identifying and treating conditions like allergies, infections, or anatomical abnormalities can significantly reduce or eliminate flaring.

Allergies are common culprits behind nasal flaring. When allergens trigger an allergic reaction in the nasal passages, inflammation occurs, leading to congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. This often forces the nostrils to widen involuntarily, resulting in a visible flare.

Effective allergy management involves minimizing exposure to allergens, utilizing antihistamines or decongestants as prescribed by a doctor, and potentially considering immunotherapy for long-term relief.

Other underlying medical conditions can also contribute to nasal flaring. Nasal polyps, which are benign growths in the nasal lining, or a deviated septum (an off-center nasal partition) can obstruct airflow and cause nostrils to flare.

Surgical intervention may be necessary to remove polyps or correct a deviated septum in cases where these conditions significantly impact breathing.

In addition to addressing medical causes, lifestyle modifications can also help manage nasal flaring. Maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids can thin mucus and improve airflow.

Practicing proper nasal hygiene with regular saline rinses helps cleanse the nasal passages and reduce inflammation. Avoiding irritants like smoke and dust can further minimize irritation and congestion.

If nasal flaring persists despite these efforts, consult a medical professional. They can assess your individual situation, identify potential underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Addressing Nasal Congestion

Addressing nasal congestion is crucial for reducing or eliminating a nose flare.

Nasal flaring occurs when the nostrils widen during breathing, often indicating an obstruction in the nasal passages. This can be due to a variety of factors, including inflammation, allergies, infections, or anatomical abnormalities.

Treating the underlying issue is essential for long-term relief from nasal flaring and congestion.

**Common Causes of Nasal Congestion:**

• **Allergies:** Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold can trigger allergic rhinitis, causing inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.

• **Infections:** Viral infections, such as the common cold or influenza, can lead to nasal congestion as the body fights off the infection.

• **Sinusitis:** Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause mucus buildup and pressure in the nasal passages.

• **Deviated Septum:** A crooked nasal septum (the wall that divides the nostrils) can obstruct airflow, leading to chronic congestion.

• **Nasal Polyps:** Growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses can block airflow and cause persistent congestion.

**Treatment Options for Nasal Congestion:**

Depending on the underlying cause, various treatment options are available:

• **Over-the-Counter Medications:** Saline nasal sprays and rinses help to clear mucus and moisturize the nasal passages. Decongestants can temporarily reduce swelling, while antihistamines can block the effects of histamine released during allergic reactions.

• **Prescription Medications:** If over-the-counter remedies are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe stronger nasal steroids to reduce inflammation or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

• **Allergy Management:** Identifying and avoiding allergens through testing and immunotherapy can help manage allergy-induced congestion.

• **Surgical Procedures:** In cases of severe structural problems, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, surgery may be recommended to correct the issue.

Minimizing Appearance Through Techniques

Moisturizing the Nasal Area

Minimizing the appearance of a nose flare often involves focusing on techniques that refine the nasal area and maintain its hydration.

Here are some strategies to consider:

  • Facial Exercises: Specific facial exercises can help strengthen and tone the muscles around the nose, potentially leading to a more sculpted appearance. Look for targeted exercises that focus on lifting and tightening the nasal area.

  • Moisturizing Techniques: Keeping the skin around the nose well-hydrated is crucial. Use a gentle moisturizer formulated for sensitive areas. Apply it regularly, especially after cleansing, to prevent dryness and maintain elasticity.

  • Makeup Application: Contouring techniques can subtly minimize the appearance of a nose flare. Using bronzer or shadow along the sides of the nose and highlighter on the bridge can create an illusion of narrowing.

Arrange Your Dermal Filler Session with Dr. Laura Geige

It’s important to note that while these techniques can help refine the appearance of your nose, they might not completely eliminate a pronounced flare.

If you have concerns about the shape or size of your nose, consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is recommended. They can provide personalized advice and discuss potential surgical options if desired.

Using Makeup and Concealer

Minimizing the appearance of a “nose flare,” which refers to the visible separation between the nostrils at their base, can be achieved through a combination of makeup techniques and contouring.

Start with a smooth canvas by applying a primer to create an even surface for your makeup. Then, use a foundation that matches your skin tone perfectly, blending it well into your hairline and jawline for seamless coverage.

To narrow the appearance of the nostrils, employ contouring techniques. Choose a matte bronzer or contour powder that’s a shade or two darker than your skin tone. Apply it strategically along the sides of the nostrils, creating an illusion of depth and narrowing the space between them.

Next, use a light-reflecting highlighter on the bridge of your nose and the center of the nostril area. This helps to draw attention upwards and create a more defined, streamlined look.

Concealer can also be used effectively. Apply a creamy concealer that matches your skin tone to the entire area around the nostrils, blending it outwards towards the cheeks and forehead. This will help to even out the skin tone and minimize any redness or discoloration.

Set your makeup with a translucent powder to ensure longevity and prevent creasing throughout the day.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for your unique features and desired outcome.

Practicing Controlled Breathing

Minimizing the appearance of a nose flare often involves a combination of techniques that address both physical and psychological aspects. While there’s no guaranteed way to completely eliminate it, these methods can help reduce its visibility and make it less noticeable.

Here are some techniques you can try:

  • Facial Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around your nose and upper lip can help improve control over airflow and minimize flaring. Try gently puffing out your cheeks, sucking in your lips, or pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth.
  • Controlled Breathing Techniques: Practicing deep, controlled breathing exercises can train your diaphragm to expand efficiently, reducing reliance on your nostrils for air intake. Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) or pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial.
  • Nasal Strips: Over-the-counter nasal strips can help open up the nasal passages and reduce resistance to airflow, potentially minimizing flaring.
  • Hydration: Staying well-hydrated can help keep nasal membranes moist, making it easier for air to flow freely.
  • Practicing Controlled Breathing in More Detail

    1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.
    2. Place One Hand on Your Chest and the Other on Your Abdomen: This helps you focus on your diaphragm’s movement.
    3. Inhale Slowly Through Your Nose: Allow your abdomen to expand outwards as your diaphragm contracts. Your chest should remain relatively still.
    4. **Hold Your Breath Briefly:** Exhale slowly through your mouth, gently contracting your abdominal muscles.
    5. Repeat for Several Minutes: Gradually increase the duration of each inhale and exhale as you become more comfortable.

    Remember that consistent practice is key to improving breathing control and potentially minimizing nose flare. If you have any concerns about your breathing or experience persistent nasal issues, consult a medical professional.

    Canniant Cafe Sant Jaume Valencia Making Memories London Alkhemist LA James Martin Live

You May Also Like

More From Author