Esophageal Diseases in Infants and Children

Abstract

Esophageal dysfunction in an infant or child usually results from congenital or traumatic lesions or chemical burns. Congenital conditions include benign strictures and webs, a short esophagus and atresia. The swallowing of foreign bodies and chemicals accounts for most of the traumatic lesions. Cardiospasm and esophageal varices are relatively uncommon in children; however, esophagitis occurs frequently. The authors discuss the diagnosis and treatment of each of these conditions.