Q38-Q45: Other congenital malformations of the digestive system
Q39: Congenital malformations of oesophagus
Congenital malformations of the oesophagus, or esophagus as it's spelled in the United States, are birth defects that occur when this tube connecting the throat to the stomach doesn't develop properly. This group of conditions varies in severity, ranging from an esophagus that doesn't connect to the stomach at all, to a narrow, weakened passage. Children with these conditions may have trouble swallowing, vomit frequently, or choke and turn blue when eating. Some infants may develop respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, and recurrent chest infections, as the abnormal esophagus can allow swallowed food or liquids to enter the airways. These malformations occur during the fetus' development in the womb, but the exact cause remains unknown. The progression of the disease and the affected systems largely depend on the particular malformation and its severity.
Subcodes of Q39:
- Q39.0: Atresia of oesophagus without fistula
- Q39.1: Atresia of oesophagus with tracheo-oesophageal fistula
- Q39.2: Congenital tracheo-oesophageal fistula without atresia
- Q39.3: Congenital stenosis and stricture of oesophagus
- Q39.4: Congenital oesophageal web
- Q39.5: Congenital dilatation of oesophagus
- Q39.6: Diverticulum of oesophagus
- Q39.8: Other congenital malformations of oesophagus
- Q39.9: Congenital malformation of oesophagus, unspecified
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