Signs & Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis in Children

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the entire body, but focuses on the lungs and digestive system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 30,000 people in the United States live with the disease. Most symptoms of Cystic fibrosis start at birth. However, sometimes symptoms won't present themselves until the child is older. If a child is not diagnosed at birth, then most are diagnosed by age two. When looking for symptoms of cystic fibrosis, keep in mind every child is different. Symptoms will vary, as will the severity. These symptoms can range from mild digestive problems to severe food-absorption issues.

Salty Skin

• One of the most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis is salty-tasting skin. Parents may note the salty taste after kissing their infants. Abnormalities in the sweat glands cause a loss of salt, which secretes through the skin. A sweat test will be performed if cystic fibrosis is suspected. After stimulating the sweat glands with a soft current from an electrode, the doctor will collect the sweat and test it. Children with cystic fibrosis have high levels of chloride. If the results do show these elevated levels then it is probable the child has cystic fibrosis. The sweat test can be performed at any age; however, an infant may not produce enough sweat to get an accurate result and may call for the test to be repeated.

Lungs and Sinuses

• Because the salt balance is abnormal, a child with cystic fibrosis produces thick mucus that clogs the respiratory tract anywhere from the sinuses to the lungs. This can cause asthmatic symptoms such as persistent coughing and wheezing. The mucus is so thick it's hard to cough up, which means it stays in the lungs and collects germs which can cause life-threatening lung infections. Also, a child with cystic fibrosis may have chronic sinus issues such as nasal congestion and sinusitis. Chronic congestion of the nasal passages can lead to painful polyps, fluid and tissue-filled sacs in the nasal lining.

Pancreas and Digestion System

• Mucus coats the pancreas and block ducts which deny the release of the digestive juices the pancreas produces to help break down food. Because the food isn't broken down properly, this leads to malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and poor growth. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can develop because of cystic fibrosis. The poor digestion causes bowel movements to be greasier and smellier than normal and can also lead to intestinal obstructions.