Choanal atresia

Choanal atresia is a congenital defect where the back of the nasal passage is blocked, usually by abnormal bony or membranous tissue. 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 patent nostril.

Bilateral choanal atresia is a very serious condition because the baby will then be unable to breathe right after birth as babies are obligate nasal breathers (they have to use their noses to breathe). These babies usually require resuscitation right after birth. The only suitable treatment is surgery.