During the womb, a baby’s esophagus does not develop properly. This is called esophageal atresia. This means that the esophagus does not form a strong connection with the stomach, preventing food from passing through as it normally should. It is usually diagnosed at birth, although some cases may be detected prenatally during routine pregnancy ultrasounds.
The esophagus is a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. When the esophagus is not developed properly, a child’s stomach is pushed up into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm. This can be very uncomfortable and can result in respiratory distress. It is also possible for the esophagus to be blocked, leading to gastroesophageal reflux and choking. There are several different types of esophageal atresia, but the most common type is known as a distal esophagus and trachea. In a few rare cases, the distal esophagus is connected with the throat and stomach, but the lower end is closed. The upper part of the esophagus is connected with a blind pouch.
The upper and lower parts of the esophagus are joined together during surgery. This operation is called an anastomosis. This join is done to widen the esophagus and allow food to pass through the esophagus. The purpose of the operation is to connect the two esophagus so that the child can eat and drink. If there is a problem with the anastomosis, the surgeon can use a nasogastric tube to help the child eat and drink.
Another common type of esophageal atresia is a tracheoesophageal fistula. A tracheoesophageal atresia occurs when the esophagus does not attach to the trachea. This abnormal connection allows food and saliva to travel into the lungs and causes breathing problems. This condition can lead to pneumonia.
In addition, a tracheoesophageal Fistula can cause a child to choke when trying to swallow. This condition is more likely to occur in children who are born with esophageal atresia. In addition, a tracheoesophageal Fistula can cause a child to cough when they are feeding or trying to swallow. If this happens, the child may have to chew their food more and may need to take smaller bites of food. A Fistula can also cause a child to have an abnormally small stomach. In this case, the doctor may perform a detailed ultrasound to confirm the presence of a tracheoesophageal Atresia.
In some cases, a tracheoesophageal A-fistula is discovered during the routine ultrasound of the pregnant woman. This is a very common birth defect, and about half of all children who have esophageal atresia will have this condition. This condition can cause a child to develop a toxic megacolon. It can also cause a child to have fistulas between the colon and vagina. This can also lead to constipation.
Some of the most common symptoms of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal malformations are a dry, coughing, or a coughing that sounds like a baby is sick. It is important to see a doctor right away if you notice these signs. X-rays can be taken to check for esophageal atresia. The doctor can also perform a rigid bronchoscopy to view the baby’s windpipe.
