Choanal atresia
Choanal Atresia
Choanal atresia (pronounced: koh-AY-nuhl uh-TREE-zhuh) is a congenital condition that affects the nasal passages in newborns. The term originates from the Greek words "choane," meaning "funnel," and "atresia," meaning "closure."
Definition
Choanal atresia is a condition where the back of a newborn's nasal passage is blocked, usually by abnormal bony or soft tissue. This condition can affect one nostril (Unilateral choanal atresia) or both (Bilateral choanal atresia).
Symptoms
Symptoms of choanal atresia can include difficulty breathing, especially during feeding, persistent nasal discharge, and frequent respiratory infections. In severe cases, it can lead to cyanosis, a condition characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
Causes
The exact cause of choanal atresia is unknown, but it is believed to occur during fetal development when the thin tissue separating the oral and nasal cavities fails to break down completely.
Treatment
Treatment for choanal atresia typically involves surgery to remove the blockage. This can be done through a procedure called Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the nostrils.
Related Terms
- Congenital disorder: A medical condition that is present at or before birth.
- Nasal septum: The thin wall in the nose that separates the left and right nostrils.
- Cyanosis: A condition characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Choanal atresia
- Wikipedia's article - Choanal atresia
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski