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PubMed This is a summary of 59 peer-reviewed journal articles Updated
Otolaryngology

Choanal Atresia: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

At a Glance

Choanal atresia is a birth defect where a newborn's nasal passage is blocked by bone or tissue, often causing a breathing emergency. Treatment requires surgery, typically an endoscopic repair, to open the airway. Babies also need genetic evaluations to check for conditions like CHARGE syndrome.

When you are told your newborn has choanal atresia, the medical terminology, urgent interventions, and the NICU environment can feel incredibly overwhelming. This resource guide is designed to help you, as a parent or caregiver, navigate the diagnosis, understand the treatment options, and prepare for the journey ahead.

Choanal atresia is a congenital condition where the back of the nasal passage is blocked by a wall of bone or tissue, making it difficult or impossible for the baby to breathe through their nose. Because infants naturally breathe through their noses, this is often identified as a medical emergency shortly after birth.

In this guide, we break down what this diagnosis means, how it is treated, and how to advocate for your child’s health. We have separated the information into specialized sections to help you find exactly what you need at every stage of your child’s care:

01

What is Choanal Atresia? An Introduction for Parents

Learn about choanal atresia in newborns, a nasal blockage affecting breathing. Understand symptoms like turning blue, diagnosis, and surgical treatment options.

02

Recognizing and Diagnosing Choanal Atresia

Learn how choanal atresia is diagnosed in newborns. Understand bilateral vs. unilateral symptoms, catheter tests, and why a CT scan is the gold standard.

03

Associated Syndromes and Genetics: CHARGE Syndrome and Beyond

Learn about genetic conditions linked to choanal atresia, including CHARGE syndrome. Understand why your baby needs genetic testing and heart screenings.

04

Surgical Treatment for Choanal Atresia

Learn about the surgical treatment for choanal atresia, including transnasal endoscopic techniques, stentless repairs, and what to expect for your baby's care.

05

Post-Surgery Recovery and Monitoring for Restenosis

Learn about choanal atresia surgery recovery and restenosis. Understand warning signs, how to perform daily nasal care, and when to seek help for your baby.

Take your time reading through these resources. You are an essential part of your baby’s care team, and being informed is the best way to help them thrive.

Common questions in this guide

What is choanal atresia?
Choanal atresia is a birth defect where the back of a baby's nasal passage is blocked by a wall of bone or tissue. Because newborns naturally breathe through their noses, this blockage can make breathing very difficult and usually requires immediate medical attention.
How is choanal atresia diagnosed in a newborn?
Doctors typically identify choanal atresia shortly after birth if a baby has trouble breathing. They will often use imaging tools like a CT scan to confirm the diagnosis, look at the anatomy, and determine if the blockage is on one or both sides of the nose.
What is the treatment for choanal atresia?
The primary treatment is surgery to open the blocked nasal passage. Many modern surgical approaches use a stentless endoscopic repair, which is performed entirely through the nose without any external incisions on the face.
Why do babies with choanal atresia need genetic testing?
Choanal atresia can sometimes be associated with other genetic conditions, most notably CHARGE syndrome. A full genetic evaluation helps the care team identify any other potential health issues and create a comprehensive, long-term care plan for your baby.
What happens during recovery from choanal atresia surgery?
After surgery, your baby will be closely monitored in the NICU as they heal. The medical team will watch for any signs of restenosis, which is a complication where the nasal passage begins to narrow or close up again as scar tissue forms during healing.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Curated prompts to bring to your next appointment.

  1. 1.Who is the main point of contact on my baby's care team for daily updates while in the NICU?
  2. 2.Can you provide a timeline of what to expect over the next few weeks regarding testing and surgery?
  3. 3.Are there support groups or other parents you can connect me with who have navigated a choanal atresia diagnosis?

Questions For You

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This guide provides educational information about choanal atresia in newborns. Always consult your pediatric ENT and NICU care team for medical advice specific to your baby's condition and treatment plan.

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