Cystic Fibrosis in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Support

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.

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.