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Children (Paediatric) ENT

Choanal Atresia in Children: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment in Patna, Bihar, India

What is Choanal Atresia in Children?

Choanal atresia is an unusual congenital disorder in which the back end of the nasal passage (choana) is obstructed by bone and/or tissue that develops abnormally. The obstruction blocks airflow between the nose and the throat, making it hard for the baby or child to breathe normally. Choanal atresia can occur on one (unilateral choanal atresia) or two (bilateral choanal atresia) sides of the nose.

Babies use nasal breathing in the first days after birth, especially during feeding and sleeping. For this reason, bilateral choanal atresia can be a dangerous condition in a newborn infant since it can make it difficult for the baby to breathe, suckle, and cry easily. A child with unilateral choanal atresia may have nasal congestion, noisy breathing, and clear secretions from one side of the nose.

Prompt detection and treatment are vital in this case, as they help improve breathing and eliminate feeding difficulties.

Choanal Atresia in Children

What Causes Choanal Atresia in Children?

Choanal atresia occurs during prenatal development, when the nasal passages fail to develop normally.

Some Causes/Risk Factors Associated With Choanal Atresia Could Be:

  • Conventional congenital malformations
  • Genetic syndromes
  • Abnormal tissue development during gestation
  • Congenital disorders

The specific cause is not always determined, but the patient is born with this disorder.

What are the Symptoms of Choanal Atresia in Children?

The symptoms vary depending on whether and to what extent the nasal passages are involved.

Bilateral Choanal Atresia Symptoms Include:

  • Extreme respiratory distress among infants
  • Tendency to become bluish while nursing
  • Trouble feeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Easy respiration when crying

Unilateral Choanal Atresia Symptoms Include:

  • Breathing difficulty on one side of the nose
  • Perennial discharge from one nostril
  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring
  • Regular sinus infections

The symptoms depend on the severity of the respiratory obstruction.

Types of Choanal Atresia in Children

The disorder can be categorized depending on the involved sides and tissue types.

Bilateral Choanal Atresia

There is a blockage on both sides, requiring immediate intervention.

Unilateral Choanal Atresia

There is only one obstruction on one side, usually detected late in childhood.

Bony Choanal Atresia

There is a bone tissue obstruction in the nasal passage.

Membranous Choanal Atresia

There is an obstruction composed of soft tissue or membrane.

Mixed Choanal Atresia

It involves obstruction in both the bone and the membrane tissue.

The type plays an important role in treatment options.

How is Choanal Atresia diagnosed in children?

Proper diagnosis is essential to ensure proper feeding and respiration.

Diagnosis is accomplished by:

  • Comprehensive Ear, Nose, and Throat Examination
  • Nasal Endoscopy: Examining the nose using an endoscope
  • CT Scans of Nose & Sinuses: For determination of the degree and kind of obstruction
  • Evaluation for any other congenital problems
  • Breathing & Feeding assessment in infants

These modalities assist ENT doctors in formulating accurate surgical interventions.

How Choanal Atresia Treated in Children?

Surgery is the standard therapy for choanal atresia.

Emergency Care in Infants

In severe bilateral choanal atresia, emergency intervention may be necessary to aid breathing.

Surgical Management

Surgical removal of a nasal obstruction allows free breathing.

Surgical Procedures Include:

  • Surgical repair of choanal atresia using an endoscope
  • Removal of obstructions like bone and soft tissue
  • Placement of a nasal stent under certain conditions

Advancements in endoscopic procedures allow for minimally invasive surgery.

Postoperative Care

  • Nasal cleansing and irrigation
  • Observation for airway healing
  • Follow-up Nasal Endoscopy
  • Feeling and breathing assistance while healing

Children usually have a good recovery after surgical management with appropriate post-op care.

What are the Complications of untreated Choanal Atresia in Children?

Unaddressed choanal atresia can lead to complications.

Complications that may occur include:

  • Potential life-threatening respiratory issues in infants
  • Problems with eating and failure to thrive
  • Sinusitis
  • Insomnia
  • Mouth breathing
  • Delayed growth in severely affected and untreated individuals

Early medical intervention can greatly enhance breathing, feeding patterns, and overall well-being.

How Choanal Atresia Prevented in Children?

Since it is congenital, choanal atresia cannot be prevented. Nonetheless, it needs prompt attention and treatment.

Steps You Should Take Include:

  • Schedule an immediate ENT check-up when there are breathing difficulties at birth.
  • Conduct an early diagnosis when there is prolonged nasal obstruction on one side.
  • Evaluate children born with other congenital abnormalities.
  • Check up with your child’s ENT specialist after surgery.

Proper care helps prevent future complications of airway obstruction.

Children Living With Choanal Atresia

Children who undergo treatment for choanal atresia recover dramatically with appropriate medical management.

Advice to Parents:

  • Keep follow-ups with the ENT doctor.
  • Practice nasal hygiene after surgery.
  • Closely observe for signs of difficulty breathing.
  • Look out for eating habits.
  • Consult a medical professional when there is recurrent nasal obstruction or infection.

With proper management, children with choanal atresia will enjoy easy breathing and a normal life.

Why choose LIKITA ENT Hospital for Choanal Atresia Treatment in children in Patna, Bihar, India?

Likita ENT Hospital offers safe and effective Choanal Atresia Treatment in Children in Patna, Bihar, India, at an affordable cost. Our team of experienced Pediatric ENT specialists provides accurate nasal and airway examination and diagnostic assessment to identify the blockage of the nasal passage and evaluate its severity and effect on the child’s breathing. Treatment is tailored according to the type and extent of choanal atresia, whether unilateral or bilateral, the child’s age, symptoms, and individual needs. When required, our Pediatric ENT specialists can manage associated breathing difficulties, feeding problems, nasal obstruction, noisy breathing, or recurrent nasal and respiratory problems and recommend appropriate surgical treatment to restore nasal airflow when appropriate. With advanced ENT diagnostic facilities, experienced specialists, and a child-focused approach, Likita ENT Hospital is committed to providing safe, precise, and comfortable Choanal Atresia Treatment in Children in Patna, Bihar, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Choanal Atresia Treatment in children in Patna, Bihar, India:

+91 8797863384 contact@patnaent.com
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