Lung function in children following repair of tracheoesophageal fistula.

Lung function and bronchial reactivity by methacholine challenge were studied in 24 patients seven to 18 years after repair of type I tracheoesophageal fistula. Only one patient had no abnormalities of the variables tested. Thirteen patients had obstructive airways disease, five had a restrictive defect, and 15 had a positive methacholine challenge. It is postulated that continuing subclinical aspiration of esophageal contents causes lung damage and renders the airways hyperreactive.