What it is
Surgery is needed, usually in the first days of life, to join the food pipe. Some babies need more than one operation.
After surgery, some children have swallowing problems, reflux or a narrowing of the food pipe and need regular follow-up as they grow.
Common signs
- Frothy bubbles from the mouth soon after birth
- Coughing, choking or turning blue when feeding
- Being unable to swallow milk
- Breathing problems
How it is usually diagnosed
- Ultrasound scans during pregnancy
- Passing a thin tube into the food pipe after birth
- X-ray
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Pregnancy scan reports
- Surgery notes
- Discharge letters
- Follow-up clinic letters and dilatation records
Questions to ask your doctor
- What type of surgery will be needed?
- What problems might we see as our child grows?
- Who do we contact if feeding becomes difficult?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A baby who chokes, turns blue or struggles to breathe when feeding: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.