Complete Information on Esophageal atresia with Treatment and Prevention

Esophageal atresia, also known as tracheoesophageal fistula, is a agitation of digestive system in which the oesophagus is not developed suitably. This condition takes several different forms, often involving one or more fistulas connecting the trachea to the esophagus.  Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are commonly found together, but may also occur separately. The presence of tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia occurs also, but with fewer noticeable symptoms in the infant, making it more difficult to diagnose. It may not be diagnosed until months or even years later when digestive disturbances occur.

The disorder is usually detected little time after the birth when the food is tested and the infant coughs, blocks, and turns blue. The care is taken to prevent the baby of secretions of breathing in the lungs. In newborns with this birth defect, formation of this continuous esophageal tube is interrupted. Instead, two separate tubes are formed, an upper tube or pouch connected to the mouth and a lower pouch connected to the stomach. There are many variations of this birth defect. Newborns with esophageal atresia often have a tracheoe-sophageal fistula. This is a direct connection between the upper pouch, lower pouch or both, and the trachea or windpipe. Parents of children with esophageal atresia often are alerted to a problem while still pregnant. Often a prenatal ultrasound will show extra amiontic fluid.

Most babies with this condition have feeding problems right away. They may spit up a lot or have lots of bubbly mucus in their mouth. The presence of esophageal atresia is suspected in an infant with excessive salivation and in a newborn with drooling that is frequently accompanied by choking, coughing and sneezing. In later life, most children with this disorder will have some trouble with either swallowing or heartburn or both. Babies born with esophageal atresia sometimes have long-term problems. Probably the most common problem is gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is similar to heartburn, and can usually be treated with medicine. Another problem is scar tissue. Sometimes scar tissue grows where the esophagus connects to the stomach. This scar tissue can make swallowing hard or painful because the food can't get past the scar tissue easily.

The treatment for the condition varies dependent on its austerity. The mail effective complications occurs sometimes, including a leak at the place of fence of the oesophagus. Sometimes a stricture, or tight spot, will develop in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. This can usually be dilated using medical instruments. Esophageal atresia is considered a surgical emergency. Surgery to repair the esophagus should be done quickly after the baby is stabilized so that the lungs are not damaged and the baby can be fed. Immediately after surgery, the patient will be cared for in the neonatal ICU with monitoring of breathing, body temperature, and heart and kidney function. Oxygen may be administered, and a mechanical respirator may also be necessary. Pain medication will be given if needed. Hospitalization may be required for two weeks or longer, depending on the presence of complications or other underlying conditions.