Which congenital anomaly is associated with obstruction of the airway?

Choanal atresia is a congenital anomaly characterized by a blockage of the back of the nasal passage, preventing air from flowing through the nasal cavity and into the throat. This condition can lead to significant airway obstruction, especially in newborns who are obligate nasal breathers.

In cases of choanal atresia, the obstruction can result in difficulty breathing, particularly when the infant is feeding or crying, leading to respiratory distress. The condition can be unilateral, affecting one side, or bilateral, affecting both sides, with bilateral choanal atresia typically presenting more severe respiratory symptoms at birth.

The other conditions listed may impact the airway or swallowing in different ways but do not directly cause obstruction of the airway in the same manner as choanal atresia. Tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia mostly affect the esophagus and can lead to feeding problems, while diaphragmatic hernia primarily involves the respiratory system and can cause lung compression rather than a direct obstruction.