Life is an Act of Courage


501(c)3 Non-Profit Foundation Founded in 2012

 

 

Facts About EA/TEF

EA/TEF is Esophageal Atresia/Trachea Esophageal Fistula. This is a condition from birth, which is an abnormal or non existent connection between the esophagus, the lungs and the stomach. One in 3,000 to 5,000 babies are born annually in the United States with this birth defect and one in 10,000 worldwide.

Most cases of EA/TEF are not prenatally diagnosed, but an OB/GYN doctor may recognize these signs during pre-natal exams:

  • small stomach, no stomach, or no stomach bubble
  • high levels of amniotic fluids
  • connection to vessel cord irregularities

Along with EA/TEF, these babies can have other birth defects such as the following:

  • heart defects
  • digestive tract disorders
  • kidney & urinary tract conditions
  • muscular or skeletal situations
  • VACTERL Syndrome
  • Trisomy13, Trisomy18, Trisomy21

Helpful Links:

Information on EA/TEF: www.birth-defect.org/

Information on EA/TEF Speech Therapy issues:  http://www.barbanslowmyers.com/

TOFS support for families of children born unable to swallow: http://www.tofs.org.uk/

Traveling Awareness Bears:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsM1shJvC14