Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which a defective gene disrupts normal mucus production, causing it to become thick and sticky. Mucus, because it cannot move properly, begins to build up in the body and form blockages in areas such as the lungs and pancreas. The results are often serious lung damage, digestive problems and malnutrition.
cystic fibrosis is found in over 70,000 children and adults worldwide, with an additional 1,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. United States. More than 70% of cystic fibrosis patients are diagnosed by age two, with many of the common signs and symptoms that are often first shown in childhood.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis: Salty Sweat
One of the most common symptoms first noticed by parents is the strong taste of salt when they kiss their child. This is because the defective gene involved in cystic fibrosis changes the way sodium chloride (salt) moves in and out of cells. As a result, the body uses more than normal amounts of salt.
If the child is too hot and generates a lot of sweat, parents may notice signs of salt loss, such as dehydration, weakness, or fatigue.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis: Difficulty breathing
In cystic fibrosis genetic mutation don’t notice this in children who are inclined to swallow instead of those who reject it.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis: Common Respiratory Infections
People with cystic fibrosis are prone to frequent respiratory infections when the airways are blocked, causing bacteria to breed first. These respiratory infections take the form of sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, or lung infections through unusual methods. bacteria
Frequent respiratory infections can be a sign that attracts the doctor, when other symptoms of cystic fibrosis are not very obvious or are present.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis: Digestive and Vulture Problems
The thick, sticky mucus found in cystic fibrosis usually blocks the pancreatic duct. This results in digestive enzymes, which are produced by the pancreas not reaching the small intestines, where they are needed to break down food. . People with cystic fibrosis usually have swollen, thick, and purulent stools as a result. They may also experience diarrhea, constipation, painful gas or intestinal obstruction.
Intestinal obstruction is the first sign of cystic fibrosis in babies. Fifteen to 20% of fetuses with cystic fibrosis have meconium ileus, which is intestinal obstruction due to too much meconium. Meconium is a dark, sticky vessel (made of amniotic fluid, mucus, and bile) that is found in the newborn intestine and passes from the system into the baby’s first bowel movement The body uses pancreatic enzymes to break down meconium, but these may not be available to children with cystic fibrosis.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis: Poor Growth and Weight Gain
Without the help of pancreatic enzymes, the s body cannot properly absorb proteins and fats. Children with cystic fibrosis are often malnourished because they cannot get the required nutrients from their food. Babies may have voracious appetites, yet fail to put on weight or show proper growth in the first weeks of life. Older children often fall below the height and weight expectations for their age. They may also show signs of poor bone development, and low bone density.
A Note on Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
There are more than 1,400 possible ways for the gene involved in cystic fibrosis to change, with each change causing slightly different symptoms. This means that one child may have several symptoms, while another may experience only one or two. Cystic fibrosis symptoms may show up immediately in one child, while others may take a while to show up. The severity of symptoms varies with time and age, as well.
Sources:
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:
What you need to know
Frequently Asked Questions
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute:
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Mayo Clinic:
Cystic Fibrosis: Causes
Cystic Fibrosis: Symptoms
MedicineNet:
Cystic Fibrosis – What is cystic fibrosis?
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Baby Center:
Cystic fibrosis
