children s health issues
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Introduction
Esophageal atresia is a Overview of Birth Defects in which the esophagus narrows or comes to an end. Most newborns with esophageal atresia also have an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the windpipe (trachea) called tracheoesophageal fistula. The Throat and Esophagus is the long tubelike organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. In esophageal atresia, the esophagus is narrow or develops as two separate sections that do not connect (atresia). Because of the defect, food and fluids are delayed or prevented from going from the esophagus to the stomach. The Overview of the Respiratory System (trachea) is the main airway to the lungs. Normally, the esophagus and the trachea are separate. However, in tracheoesophageal fistula, an abnormal connection (fistula) forms between the esophagus and the windpipe. Because of the defect, food and fluids go into the windpipe and lungs. Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula often occur together. Doctors do not know what causes esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, but many children with these birth defects have other abnormalities, such as defects of the Overview of Brain and Spinal Cord Birth Defects , (See also Overview of Digestive Tract Birth Defects .) In esophageal atresia, the esophagus narrows or comes to a blind end. It does not connect with the stomach as it normally should. A tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea (which leads to the lungs). 