children s health issues
Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary depending on a person's age. About 10% of newborns who have cystic fibrosis have Meconium Ileus , which causes vomiting, bloating (distention) of the abdomen, and absence of bowel movements. Meconium ileus is sometimes complicated by perforation of the intestine, a dangerous condition causing infection and The first symptom of cystic fibrosis in an infant who does not have meconium ileus is often a delay in regaining birth weight or poor weight gain at 4 to 6 weeks of age. This poor weight gain is due to poor absorption of nutrients related to inadequate amounts of pancreatic enzymes. The infant has frequent, bulky, foul-smelling, oily stools and may have a bloated (distended) abdomen. Without treatment, weight gain is slow despite a normal or large appetite. Unless a diagnosis is made through newborn screening, about half the children with cystic fibrosis are first taken to the doctor because of frequent coughing, wheezing, and respiratory tract infections. Coughing, the most noticeable symptom, is often accompanied by gagging, vomiting, and disturbed sleep. Children may have difficulty breathing, wheezing, or both. As the disease progresses, children develop a declining tolerance for exercise, lung infections tend to occur more frequently, the chest becomes barrel-shaped, and insufficient oxygen may make the fingers clubbed (see Clubbing ) and the nail beds bluish. Polyps may form in the nose. The sinuses may fill with thick secretions, leading to chronic or recurring sinus infections. Older children and adults may have episodes of constipation or develop recurring and sometimes chronic blockage of the intestines. Symptoms include a change in stooling pattern, crampy abdominal pain, a decreased appetite, and sometimes vomiting. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is relatively common among children and adults. When a child or adult with cystic fibrosis sweats excessively in hot weather or because of a fever, dehydration may result because of the increased loss of salt and water. Parents may notice the formation of salt crystals or even a salty taste on their child’s skin. Adolescents often have slowed growth and Delayed Puberty . As the disease progresses, lung infection becomes a major concern. Recurring lung infections gradually destroy the lungs. 