Is choanal atresia an emergency?

Is choanal atresia an emergency?

Yes, in some cases. When a baby is born with bilateral choanal atresia — meaning the condition affects both sides of the nose — then it’s considered a life-threatening emergency. This is because infants breathe almost exclusively through their noses. (Typically, babies only breathe through their mouths if they’re crying.) If your baby’s nasal airway is completely blocked at the time of birth, they won’t be able to breathe at all. In these cases, your healthcare provider can insert a small tube into the windpipe immediately to help your baby breathe. Once your baby is stable, your provider can perform surgery to permanently correct the problem.