Atresia

Definition

Definition of Atresia
Atresia is a condition in which a body orifice or passage in the body is abnormally closed or absent.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Atresia
Consult with your doctor.

Causes

Causes of Atresia
Consult with your doctor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Atresia
Unilateral lesions may go undiagnosed until the child presents with persistent unilateral nasal drainage. Parents often report elaborate rituals of pulling strands of mucus from their child's nose. A few children have signs of respiratory distress at birth or develop obstructive sleep apnea during infancy. A simple test for unilateral choanal stenosis is to have the child attempt nose blowing with the opposite nostril occluded by external pressure. Failure to detect any air movement is suspicious for complete obstruction. Failure to pass a catheter through the occluded nostril can be misleading in the older child because there is enough space in the nasal cavity for the catheter to curl without passing into the nasopharynx. The otolaryngologist can visualize the choanal closure with a small, flexible scope passed through the nostril.

Treatment

Treatment of Atresia
Atresia is corrected by operations although it depends on the type and severity of the condition of the patient.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Atresia
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Atresia
Consult with your doctor.