|  | Conditions Treatments | Genetic Disorders

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis in Children

Cystic fibrosis, a hereditary disease caused by a gene mutation, damages the respiratory system and interferes with the absorption of nutrients. Average life expectancy of a person with cystic fibrosis is 37.4 years, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The disease has distinct symptoms in newborns and children.

  1. Newborns

    • Symptoms of cystic fibrosis in newborns include intestinal blockages caused by the inability to pass stool, abnormally large and oily stool, stunted growth and recurring respiratory infections.

    Skin

    • Children with cystic fibrosis usually have excess salt in their sweat, causing their skin to have a salty taste.

    Respiratory System

    • Chronic respiratory system infections, including pneumonia and bronchitis, and coughing or wheezing are common symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children.

    Bowel

    • Bowel-related symptoms include obstructions of the bowels, greasy stool, and a section of the rectum protrudes from the anus.

    Clubbing

    • Children with cystic fibrosis often have clubbed fingers and/or toes.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other common symptoms in children include stunted growth, thick sputum, nasal polyps, cirrhosis of the liver and part of the small intestine slides into another part of the intestine.

Genetic Disorders - Related Articles