In which population is esophageal atresia most commonly observed?

Esophageal atresia is most commonly observed in newborns due to its nature as a congenital condition, meaning it is present at birth. This condition occurs when the esophagus doesn't develop properly, leading to an incomplete connection between the upper and lower esophagus. It is part of a group of congenital anomalies that can affect the digestive tract and is often identified shortly after birth when a baby has difficulty feeding or experiences severe respiratory distress linked to aspiration of milk into the lungs. Newborns are the primary population affected because esophageal atresia arises during fetal development, making it extremely rare in older age groups such as teenagers, adults, or pregnant women. Thus, the prevalence and timing of diagnosis clearly situate newborns as the most affected demographic for this condition.