A baby born with strange holes in her nose shocked doctors so much that they immediately called the police, an incident that revolves around a rare and serious congenital condition called choanal atresia.
This condition involves the nasal airway being blocked by bone or tissue—essentially abnormal holes or obstructions inside the baby's nasal passages that prevent normal breathing.
Because newborns are obligate nose breathers, bilateral choanal atresia (blockage in both nostrils) is a medical emergency. Babies with this condition often experience cyclic respiratory distress that improves when crying (since crying forces mouth breathing) and severe difficulty feeding and breathing. When doctors examined the baby and confirmed the diagnosis, they understood the urgency of the situation since the infant’s breathing was compromised.
The immediate concern is securing the airway, which can involve placing a tube so the baby can breathe properly. Surgery is necessary to remove the blockage and restore nasal airflow, either through the nose or mouth. Without prompt intervention, the baby could suffer respiratory failure.
The police were called likely due to the potential of child endangerment or the need for urgent protective oversight given the infant’s critical state, especially if neglect or delayed medical attention was suspected—such calls happen when medical teams discover severe emergencies requiring additional support.