Broad nasal bridge

Definition:

Broad nasal bridge is a relative widening of the bridge of the nose compared to average nose width.

Considerations:

Broad nasal bridge is a relative term. It can be a normal facial feature, but it can also be associated with certain genetic or congenital (present from birth) disorders.

Common Causes:

normal facial feature
basal cell nevus syndrome
fetal hydantoin effect (mother took hydantoin during pregnancy)
other congenital syndromes

Home Care:

There is no need to treat broad nasal bridge. Other conditions which have broad nasal bridge as a feature may require medical attention specific to the condition.

Call your health care provider if:

You feel that the shape of your child's nose is interfering with breathing or if you have questions about your child's nose.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting a broad nasal bridge in detail may include:

Are any other abnormalities or symptoms also present?

Physical examination:
An infant with a broad nasal bridge should be examined thoroughly for other abnormalities. This examination may include a developmental assessment.

Intervention:
No treatment is needed for a broad nasal bridge.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider regarding the cause of this facial feature or associated problems, you may want to note that diagnosis in your child's personal medical record.

Review Date: 5/21/2002
Reviewed By: Adam Ratner, M.D., Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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