My 4 year old has a constant runny nose from the right nostril everyday since she was born. Most times it is thick and yellow. She has also had several ear and throat infections.

After going to doctors and allergists and being on antibiotics alot, we finally saw an ENT doctor. He said that her tonsils where too close together and therefore fluid was accumulating in her nose and ears and not draining properly.

Today she had her tonsils and adnoids removed plus tubes placed in her ears to drain fluid. Anyway after the surgery the doctor tells me that during the surgery he tried to put a suction tube in through her right nostril to her throat. He apparently couldn't slide the tube through her nostril. He said it was like he hit a wall. He then tried to put the tube up through her throat to her nostril and couldn't.

He said she was probably born without a passage way on the right side, hence the runny nose. Also she doesn't breathe through the right nostril at all. She does make alot of noises sleeping.

I am to discuss next steps with him in a couple weeks at our follow up visit.

Meanwhile, I am upset. Is this a common thing to be born without a right passageway? Is it dangerous? Could it be cancer? Does this require another major surgery? What is the medical term for this?

Sorry for all the questions but I am scared for my daughter. Any information or advice you can give would be most appreciated.
Thank you.