What is choanal atresia?

Reply: Blockage of the inner nasal passages. Usually presents at birth with signs of respiratory distress, attempts to pass nasal catheter fail, treatment surgical.

Complete nasal block: Choanal atresia is when the back part of the nose is completely blocked off, either with bone or with a chunk of tissue. It requires surgery to open up the area. If the child has it only on 1 side, it may present with chronic nasal drainage on 1 side only. If they have it on both sides, generally the procedure is done on the baby before they are even allowed to leave the hospital after birth.