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Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms in Babies

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease of the mucus glands and, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin's website, it affects nearly 2,500 babies born in the United States every year. CF always impacts the digestive and respiratory systems, and it sometimes affects the sweat glands and reproductive organs as well. Children born with the disease will generally exhibit symptoms within their first year of life. The Medical College of Wisconsin lists the following symptoms of CF in infants, yet it cautions that not all children will display the same ones and a child exhibiting any of these should be tested for CF.

  1. Bowel Movements

    • If a child has persistent diarrhea or large, greasy and putrid bowl movements, he may have CF.

    Respiratory Trouble

    • If a child regularly wheezes or comes down with pneumonia or has a persistent cough accompanied by thick mucus, she may have CF.

    Skin

    • If a child's skin regularly tastes salty, he may have CF.

    Growth

    • If a child does not physically grow properly, she may have CF.

    Intestinal blockage

    • If a child is born with meconiym ileus, a blockage in the intestines, he may have CF.

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