Broad nasal bridge
Broad nasal bridge is a widening of the top part of the nose.
The physical landmarks of the human face are very similar from one face to another.
Broad nasal bridge, or widening of the base of the nose, is a relative term. It can be a normal facial feature, but it can also be associated with certain congenital disorders such as basal cell nevus syndrome, or trisomy 8, a chromosome defect.
Considerations
Broad nasal bridge can be a normal facial feature. However, it can also be associated with certain genetic or congenital (present from birth) disorders.
Causes
Causes may include:
- Basal cell nevus syndrome
- Fetal hydantoin effect (mother took the drug hydantoin during pregnancy)
- Normal facial feature
- Other congenital syndromes
Home Care
There is no need to treat broad nasal bridge. Other conditions that have broad nasal bridge as a symptom may need medical attention.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if:
- You feel that the shape of your child's nose is interfering with breathing
- You have questions about your child's nose
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The provider will perform a physical exam. Provider may also ask questions about the person's family and medical history.
References
Chambers C, Friedman JM. Teratogenesis and environmental exposure. In: Resnik R, Lockwood CJ, Moore TR, Greene MF, Copel JA, Silver RM, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 33.
Haddad J, Dodhia SN. Congenital disorders of the nose. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 404.
Olitsky SE, Marsh JD. Disorders of eye movement and alignment. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 641.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 2/24/2022
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
