Pyriform Aperture Stenosis

Pyriform Aperture Stenosis is a rare condition present at birth where the front part of a baby’s nasal passage is too narrow, making it hard for them to breathe and eat—especially since newborns mostly breathe through their noses. This narrowing happens because of extra bone growth in the upper jaw. Pyriform Aperture Stenosis may occur alone or with other facial differences.

Pyriform Aperture Stenosis can cause breathing and feeding challenges in newborns. Common symptoms include:

• Noisy breathing or snoring-like sounds
• Difficulty feeding, especially during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding
• Cyclic breathing distress that improves when the baby cries
• Nasal drainage or congestion
• Trouble gaining weight due to feeding issues

Doctors use a combination of tests and observations to diagnose Pyriform Aperture Stenosis in newborns. These may include:

• Physical exam to check for breathing and feeding difficulties
• Nasal suction or scope test to see if the nasal passage is blocked
• CT scan to get a detailed image of the nasal bones and confirm the narrowing
• Endoscopy to look inside the nose and throat
• Evaluation by specialists such as ENT doctors, speech pathologists and feeding experts

Treatment for Pyriform Aperture Stenosis depends on how severe the condition is and how much it affects your baby’s breathing and feeding. Common treatment options include:

• Monitoring and supportive care for mild cases, which may include nasal saline and oxygen
• Medical management to help with breathing and keep nasal passages clear
• Surgery to widen the nasal opening in more severe cases
• Coordinated care from a team of pediatric specialists if other conditions are present

Many babies with mild Pyriform Aperture Stenosis improve as they grow, but early evaluation and care are important to help your child breathe and eat comfortably.