Final answer:
Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are congenital defects that cause symptoms like coughing, choking, and cyanosis during feeding and often require surgical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are congenital conditions that affect the esophagus and the trachea. Esophageal atresia refers to a condition where the esophagus does not form properly and ends in a blind pouch instead of connecting to the stomach. A tracheoesophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between the esophagus and the trachea. The '3 C's' often mentioned with these conditions refer to the cardinal symptoms of coughing, choking, and cyanosis, which occur during feeding as a result of these defects. Treatment typically involves surgery to repair the abnormal structures and restore normal function to the affected areas.
These conditions can also be associated with other congenital anomalies like patent ductus arteriosus and Tetralogy of Fallot, which are types of congenital heart defects.