[Newborn and infant nasal dyspnea].

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to report our experience of causes of newborn and infant nasal obstruction.

METHODS

Four cases (3 newborns, 1 infant) of nasal dyspnea are reported. For each of them, background circumstances, diagnostic and therapeutic methods and outcomes are reported. Based on a review of the literature, the main causes of nasal obstruction and their treatments are discussed.

RESULTS

In all cases, the diagnosis was made by the rhinoscopy with an endoscope and CT-Scan. Choanal atresia, infectious rhinitis, bilateral lacrymo-nasal cyst and nasopharyngeal hamartoma were diagnosed, and associated with respiratory distresses or difficulties in feeding. The treatment consisted of simple removal of the nasopharyngeal hamartoma, marsupialization for the lacrymo-nasal cysts, antibiotherapy and stenting for a few weeks for the infectious rhinitis and permeabilization by puncture and stenting for the choanal atresia. The outcome was successful in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Newborn and infant nasal dyspnea is a serious disease. This study underlines the importance of efficient and rapid management. Knowledge of the possible causes grouped in three categories--malformative, tumoral and infectious--is mandatory to make the appropriate choice.