Page "Esophageal atresia" Paragraph 3

The presence of EA is suspected in an infant with excessive salivation ( drooling ) and in a newborn with drooling that is frequently accompanied by choking, coughing and sneezing.

When fed, these infants swallow normally but begin to cough and struggle as the fluid returns through the nose and mouth.

The infant may become cyanotic ( turn bluish due to lack of oxygen ) and may stop breathing as the overflow of fluid from the blind pouch is aspirated ( sucked into ) the trachea.

The cyanosis is a result of laryngospasm ( a protective mechanism that the body has to prevent aspiration into the trachea ).

Over time respiratory distress will develop.