Every parent's worst nightmare is the thought of their newborn facing a life-threatening condition. Esophageal Atresia (EA) is one such condition. In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Jesal Sheth, Sr. Consultant - Paediatrics & Neonatal Intensivist, Fortis Hospital Mulund, explained all about oesophageal atresia and shared a guide for newborn.
What is Oesophageal Atresia?
Esophageal Atresia is a birth defect where part of a baby's oesophagus, or food pipe, doesn’t form properly. The term "Atresia" indicates that there's a passage in the body that's either missing or closed. In Esophageal Atresia, the oesophagus is incomplete, making it difficult or impossible for the baby to eat. The bottom part of the oesophagus, which is supposed to connect to the stomach, is closed. This condition can be life-threatening because the baby might choke on their own saliva, and without treatment, survival is unlikely beyond a few hours.
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Incidence and Diagnosis Challenges
Esophageal Atresia affects approximately 1 in 3,000-4,000 births. While many birth defects are detected during prenatal scans, EA can remain hidden until birth. Even sophisticated sonography, conducted by skilled technicians, can face limitations due to factors like the surrounding amniotic fluid, which can obscure details of the oesophagus.
Symptoms of Esophageal Atresia
For parents and caregivers, it’s essential to be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of Esophageal Atresia. Some of the immediate symptoms after birth include:
- Coughing
- Choking
- Excessive drooling
- Gagging when attempting to feed
- Recurrent respiratory infections
The Importance of Prompt Medical Intervention
Once Esophageal Atresia is diagnosed, prompt medical intervention is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. Initial steps involve stabilising the baby’s breathing and ensuring safe nutrition. This typically includes the use of a feeding tube to deliver fluids directly to the stomach, bypassing the oesophagus.
Surgical Treatment
The definitive treatment for Esophageal Atresia is surgery to repair the malformation. This involves connecting the two ends of the oesophagus to enable normal feeding and digestion. The timing and type of surgery depend on the baby’s condition and the specific type of atresia. In Ninad’s case, he underwent an enthisure repair surgery when he turned one year old. The surgeons successfully connected his oesophagus to his stomach. Before the surgery, Ninad was on a feeding tube, but post-procedure, he is able to eat from his mouth.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
The length of hospital stay and recovery time can vary for each baby. Post-surgery, babies need comprehensive care to ensure proper healing and to monitor for potential complications such as infections or issues with the esophageal connection. Regular follow-ups with the healthcare team are crucial to track the baby’s progress and address any concerns promptly.
Also read: Protect Your Baby's Smile: Essential Practices for Maintaining Cavity-Free Infant Teeth
A Hopeful Outcome
It can be incredibly worrisome when a newborn is diagnosed with an abnormality that requires emergency treatment. However, with timely intervention and comprehensive care, it is possible to give affected children a new lease on life. Ninad’s successful surgery and subsequent recovery highlight the importance of early detection and skilled medical care.
Oesophageal Atresia is a serious congenital condition that poses significant risks to newborns. Recognising the symptoms and understanding the importance of prompt medical intervention can make a critical difference. Advances in medical procedures and dedicated healthcare teams offer hope and a pathway to normal life for affected children. Parents should be vigilant about the signs of EA and seek immediate medical attention if they suspect any abnormalities in their newborn’s feeding or respiratory functions. With timely treatment, children with Esophageal Atresia can overcome this challenging start and go on to lead healthy lives.