Final answer:
Bilateral choanal atresia is a condition where the nasal passage is blocked, causing respiratory distress in newborns, who are typically nasal breathers. This condition is different from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), which results from a deficiency of pulmonary surfactant in premature infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bilateral choanal atresia is a congenital condition where the back of the nasal passage is blocked, typically by abnormal bony or soft tissue due to improper development in utero. This condition can cause significant respiratory distress, especially in newborns, as they are obligate nasal breathers. Respiratory distress can present as shortness of breath, wheezing, or stridor. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), on the other hand, is a different condition primarily seen in prematurely born infants and is due to a deficiency in pulmonary surfactant. This deficiency prevents proper lung inflation at birth, leading to dyspnea, low blood oxygen levels, and elevated blood carbon dioxide levels.
Unlike RDS, choanal atresia is a structural defect that may be related to other developmental issues such as cleft palate or syndromes like cri-du-chat. It requires surgical intervention to correct the blockage and facilitate normal breathing. The diagnosis of choanal atresia can lead to immediate respiratory distress in newborns; therefore, identification and treatment of this condition are critical for the affected infants' survival and health.