Which symptoms in a newborn may suggest esophageal atresia?

Symptoms in a newborn that suggest esophageal atresia include choking, coughing, and cyanosis. Esophageal atresia is a congenital condition where the esophagus does not form properly and ends in a blind pouch rather than connecting to the stomach.

When a newborn with this condition attempts to swallow, the inability to pass food or liquid through the esophagus leads to choking and coughing, as the swallowed material may be aspirated. Cyanosis, or a bluish discoloration of the skin, may occur due to insufficient oxygen supply resulting from aspiration or respiratory distress. These symptoms are strongly indicative of esophageal atresia and require immediate medical intervention.

Other options, while they may include concerning symptoms, do not directly correlate with the classic presentation of esophageal atresia. For instance, projectile vomiting, often seen in other conditions such as pyloric stenosis, does not specifically point to esophageal atresia. Similarly, apneic spells can result from various respiratory issues, and a scaphoid abdomen typically relates to different gastrointestinal abnormalities. Therefore, recognizing the specific combination of choking, coughing, and cyanosis is essential in identifying esophageal atresia in newborns.