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Choanal atresia

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing following birth, which may result in cyanosis (bluish discoloration), unless infant is crying
• Inability to nurse and breathe at same time
• Chest retraction unless breathing through mouth or crying
• Inability to pass a catheter through each side of the nose into the throat
• Persistent one-sided nasal blockage or discharge

Signs and tests:

A physical examination may show an obstruction of the nose.

Tests that may be done include:

• CT
• Endoscopy of the nose
• Sinus x-ray

References:

Behrman RE. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 17th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.

Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. St Louis, Mo; Mosby; 2005.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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