esophageal atresia
A congenital abnormality of the esophagus in which the upper esophagus ends as a blind pouch and does not connect with the lower esophagus; it is often accompanied by a tracheoesophageal fistula. Signs and symptoms in a newborn with this abnormality include excessive salivation, choking, coughing, and the development of cyanosis and respiratory distress when fed.