About this topic
Esophageal atresia or EA is a problem of the babys esophagus. Food pipe is another name for the esophagus. Normally, when your baby swallows, food moves from their mouth, through the food pipe, down into the stomach. With EA, the food pipe is short and not connected to the stomach. Food and saliva cannot pass through. ‚
Most of the time when a baby has EA, they also have a tracheoesophageal fistula or TEF. A TEF happens when there is a connection between the trachea, or windpipe, and the food pipe. With TEF, the food and saliva can pass from the food pipe though the windpipe into the lungs. Your baby will often have problems breathing if they have a TEF. ‚
Your baby may have one or both of these problems. ‚
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know exactly what causes EA or TEF. It is a problem that happens while your baby is developing inside of your womb. There is no known way to prevent this problem. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
Your baby is more likely to have an EA or TEF if others in your family also have this birth defect. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Drooling or frothy bubbles from mouth
- Choking
- Trouble breathing
- Not able to eat
- Repeat pneumonias
- Round abdomen
- Blue color to skin, especially when feeding
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Some babies are sick right after they are born. Others take months or years to diagnose. Babies with EA or TEF often have problems breathing. Your baby may spit up a lot or have a lot of bubbly mucous in their mouth. ‚
Will there be an exam?
Your doctor will do an exam on your child and may order: ‚
- X-rays
- Lab tests
- Ultrasound
The doctor may also try passing a small tube through your babys nose or mouth into the food pipe. If your baby has EA, the tube will not pass into the stomach. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your baby will need surgery to connect the food pipe to the stomach. The doctor will also fix any connection between the windpipe and the food pipe. Your baby may need multiple surgeries. ‚
Are there other health problems to treat?
Babies with EA or TEF may be born with other problems that need care. Your baby may not be able to take food through their mouth right away. Your baby may need an IV or a feeding tube until they are ready to take food through their mouth. There may be long term problems for this baby. These problems are swallowing food and liquids and keeping them in the stomach. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/esophageal-atresia-and-tracheoesophageal-fistula.printerview.all.html ‚
Genetics Home Reference ‚
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/esophageal-atresia-tracheoesophageal-fistula ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/oesophageal-atresia/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-02-05 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Gastrointestinal
- Neonatal
- Pediatric
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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