Abstract
Although tracheoesophageal fistula is primarily attributed to congenital factors, it may occasionally be caused by acquired factors, such as malignant tumors, infection, and trauma caused by poorly performed medical procedures. Patients with tracheoesophageal fistula should be evaluated to determine its precise location, and the management of nutrition and body conditions should be immediately initiated. We herein present the case of a foreign patient with tracheoesophageal fistula who came from a developing country and presented with unexplained coughing while drinking water. Her medical history indicated dialysis for chronic renal failure. She had undergone several medical procedures with prolonged tracheal intubation and the use of gastric tubes in her country. Although laryngoscopy did not identify any abnormalities, VF clearly showed a tracheoesophageal fistula. Although such cases are not frequently encountered in patients from developed countries such as Japan, patients from developing countries who present with cough of an unknown etiology should be screened for tracheoesophageal fistula.
