Grunting and Nasal Flaring: Signs Your Baby May Be Working Harder to Breathe
What Are Grunting and Nasal Flaring?
Grunting and nasal flaring are signs that a baby may be working harder to breathe. Your baby's NICU team watches for these signs as part of assessing breathing effort.
They may occur along with fast breathing, retractions or changes in oxygen needs.
What Is Grunting?
Grunting is a short sound a baby may make when breathing out.
When a baby grunts, they are creating pressure at the end of the breath that can help keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open.
Persistent grunting can be a sign of respiratory distress and is something the NICU team will evaluate.
What Is Nasal Flaring?
Nasal flaring happens when your baby's nostrils widen during breathing.
Babies naturally breathe primarily through their noses, so widening the nostrils can be one way the body tries to move more air when breathing requires extra effort.
What Else Does the NICU Team Look For?
Grunting or nasal flaring doesn't tell the whole story. Your baby's team may also assess:
Respiratory rate
Retractions
Oxygen saturation
Oxygen requirements
Breath sounds
Your baby's color and activity
Other signs of respiratory distress
These findings are considered together when determining whether your baby needs additional evaluation or respiratory support.
What Should Parents Know?
If you notice new or increased grunting, nasal flaring or other changes in the way your baby is breathing, tell your baby's nurse or care team.
As you spend time in the NICU, you'll become increasingly familiar with what your baby's usual breathing looks like.
