Low nasal bridge

Genetic diseases or infections may cause decreased growth of the bridge of nose.

A decrease in the height of the bridge of nose is best seen from a side view of the face.

Causes may include:

• Cleidocranial dysostosis
• Congenital syphilis
• Down syndrome
• Normal variation
• Other syndromes that are present at birth (congenital)
• Williams syndrome

Contact your health care provider if you have questions about the shape of your child's nose.

The provider will do a physical exam. The provider may ask questions about your child's family and medical history.

Laboratory studies may include:

• Chromosome studies
• Enzyme assays (blood tests to measure specific enzyme levels)
• Metabolic studies
• X-rays

Saddle nose

Chambers C, Friedman JM. Teratogenesis and environmental exposure. In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik's Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 31.

Haddad J. Congenital disorders of the nose. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 425.

Madan-Khetarpal S, Arnold G, Ortiz D. Genetic disorders and dysmorphic conditions. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.

Slavotinek AM. Dysmorphology, phenotyping, and sequences. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 100.

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.