A rare and severe birth defect in which an infant is born missing part of the esophagus (the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach). In esophageal atresia, there is no passageway to the baby’s stomach. Because the baby cannot swallow, food is regurgitated back into the mouth. If a segment of the esophagus is connected to the trachea (windpipe), food can enter the lungs. This results in coughing and severe breathing difficulties. Infants with this problem may turn blue from a lack of oxygen.
Congenital failure of the esophagus to develop.
The obstruction or occlusion of the esophagus, the conduit connecting the oral cavity to the stomach.