Broad nasal bridge

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 may include:

• Basal cell nevus syndrome
• Fetal hydantoin effect (mother took the drug hydantoin during pregnancy)
• Normal facial feature
• Other congenital syndromes

There is no need to treat broad nasal bridge. Other conditions that have broad nasal bridge as a symptom may need medical attention.

Contact your child's 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

The provider will perform a physical exam. The provider may also ask questions about the person's family and medical history.

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.