Congenital choanal atresia

Congenital choanal atresia is a rare nasal malformation, which can be unilateral or bilateral, and is a familial genetic disease. Other multiple malformations may also be present. This disease is common in newborns. The ratio of unilateral to bilateral occurrence is approximately 1.6:1. The main symptoms include nasal obstruction, runny nose, dyspnea (or difficulty breathing during feeding), pharyngeal dryness due to mouth breathing, and olfactory dysfunction. In newborns with complete bilateral choanal atresia, severe respiratory distress, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes), or even complete obstruction may occur after birth.