Esophageal atresia
Esophageal Atresia
Esophageal atresia (pronounced: e-sof-uh-JEE-ul uh-TREE-zhuh) is a congenital medical condition affecting the esophagus. The term originates from the Greek words oesophagus meaning gullet, and atresia meaning closure.
Definition
Esophageal atresia is a birth defect in which part of a baby's esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, does not develop properly. This results in a gap in the esophagus, preventing food and liquid from reaching the stomach.
Types
There are several types of esophageal atresia, including:
- Type A - Both ends of the esophagus end in blind pouches.
- Type B - The upper end of the esophagus ends in a blind pouch, and the lower end is attached to the trachea.
- Type C - The most common type, where the upper end of the esophagus is attached to the trachea, and the lower end ends in a blind pouch.
- Type D - Both ends of the esophagus are attached to the trachea.
Symptoms
Symptoms of esophageal atresia may include:
- Drooling - Excessive saliva that may be frothy or bubbly.
- Choking - Difficulty or inability to swallow.
- Coughing - A reflex action to clear the throat.
- Cyanosis - A bluish color of the skin, lips, and nails due to lack of oxygen.
Treatment
Treatment for esophageal atresia typically involves surgery to reconnect the two ends of the esophagus. This is usually performed shortly after birth. In some cases, additional treatments may be necessary to manage complications or associated conditions.
Related Terms
- Tracheoesophageal fistula - A related condition where there is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea.
- Congenital anomaly - A term for conditions that are present at birth.
- Esophagus - The tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Esophageal atresia
- Wikipedia's article - Esophageal atresia
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