What are Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula?

Esophageal atresia is a birth defect in which part of a baby's esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) does not develop properly.

In a baby with esophageal atresia, the esophagus has two separate sections—the upper and lower esophagus—that do not connect. A baby with this birth defect is unable to pass food from the mouth to the stomach, and sometimes difficulty breathing.

Esophageal atresia often occurs with tracheoesophageal fistula, a birth defect in which part of the esophagus is connected to the trachea, or windpipe.

Content provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For information and references about esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula please visit: Facts about Esophageal Atresia.