What causes esophageal atresia?

What causes esophageal atresia?

We’re not sure what causes esophageal atresia. It occurs during a baby’s development before birth. Mutations (changes) to genes may cause the esophagus to develop abnormally.

The esophagus and trachea form at about the same time in the womb. In babies with esophageal atresia, the esophagus doesn’t form into one long tube between the baby’s mouth and stomach. Instead, the esophagus may be in two sections that have closed ends or link to the trachea.

Doctors have found links between esophageal atresia and other factors. These factors include advanced paternal age (a father over age 40 when the baby is conceived) and fertility treatments including intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.