Your baby's inability to breathe through his nose could be due to choanal atresia, a condition where tissue blocks the nasal passages.
Understanding Choanal Atresia
Choanal atresia is a birth defect where the back of the nasal passage (the choana) is blocked by bone or soft tissue. This blockage prevents airflow through the nose.
Key Information:
- What it is: A congenital condition characterized by a blocked nasal airway.
- Severity: Can be unilateral (one nostril blocked) or bilateral (both nostrils blocked). Bilateral choanal atresia is an emergency.
- Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, especially when feeding. Babies are obligate nose breathers for the first few months of life.
- Diagnosis: Often diagnosed shortly after birth when a feeding baby turns blue due to lack of oxygen. A small catheter can be used to attempt to pass through the nasal passages. Imaging studies may also be used.
- Treatment: Surgical correction is typically required.
Unilateral vs. Bilateral Choanal Atresia
| Feature | Unilateral Choanal Atresia | Bilateral Choanal Atresia |
|---|---|---|
| Nostrils Affected | One | Both |
| Severity | Mild symptoms; may not be immediately obvious. Chronic nasal congestion is common. | Severe; requires immediate intervention. Infants can have difficulty breathing. |
| Treatment | May be diagnosed later in infancy or childhood. Surgery is still required to correct the blockage. | Requires emergency treatment to establish an airway, often involving intubation. Surgery follows. |
What to Do
If you suspect your baby is having trouble breathing through their nose, especially if they are turning blue or struggling to breathe during feeding, seek immediate medical attention. Bilateral choanal atresia is a medical emergency. Even if it is unilateral, medical evaluation is needed for proper diagnosis and treatment.
