Final answer:
Nasal flaring is commonly observed in individuals with respiratory infections and is usually a sign of respiratory distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nasal flaring is commonly observed in individuals with respiratory infections and is usually a sign of respiratory distress.
When a person has a respiratory infection, such as a cold or the flu, the body's immune system responds by causing inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to an increase in blood flow and widening of the nostrils. This widening of the nostrils is known as nasal flaring.
For example, if a person has a cold, the irritation of the nasal mucosa caused by the cold virus can trigger nasal flaring. This is the body's way of trying to get more air into the lungs and ease breathing.