Choanal atresia

Introduction
Choanal atresia is a congenital disorder where the back of the nasal passage is blocked, usually by abnormal bony or soft tissue.

Presentation
It can be unilateral or bilateral.

Sometimes, a unilateral choanal atresia is not detected until much later in life because the baby manages to get along with only one nostril available for breathing.

Bilateral choanal atresia is a very serious life-threatening condition because the baby will then be unable to breathe directly after birth as babies are obligate nasal breathers (they must use their noses to breathe). These babies usually require airway resuscitation right after birth.

Treatment
The only possible treatment is surgery to correct the defect.