What symptoms are associated with tracheoesophageal fistula in infants?

The symptoms associated with tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) in infants primarily manifest due to the abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. One of the hallmark symptoms of TEF is increased salivation, which occurs because the saliva cannot properly pass into the stomach due to the fistula. This excessive salivation can lead to choking as the secretions accumulate and interfere with normal swallowing and breathing.

Choking is particularly common when the infant attempts to feed; the presence of the fistula allows for the aspiration of milk or other fluids into the trachea, leading to a risk of respiratory distress. Hence, increased salivation coupled with choking presents a significant indicator of TEF in infants, differentiating it from other conditions that might not include these specific symptoms.

In contrast, other symptoms listed do not directly connect to the classic presentation of TEF. For instance, difficulty breathing may occur as a secondary effect but is not as directly indicative as the combination of salivation and choking. Fever and irritability can suggest infection or other illnesses but are not characteristic of TEF itself. Similarly, constipation and bloating are symptoms related to gastrointestinal issues but do not pertain to TEF, as it primarily affects the esophagus and tr