Cystic Fibrosis: Recognizing Symptoms & Understanding the Condition

Cystic Fibrosis, commonly known as CF, is an inherited condition of the endocrine system that prevents the body's glands from producing normal secretions. It affects multiple body organs, including the pancreas, sweat glands, lungs, skin and digestive tract. Caused by a dysfunctional or defective gene, the condition creates thick and sticky secretions instead of the smooth, thin secretions that are needed to lubricate, coat and cushion various organs and tissues. Because of this, the organs become clogged and cause a multitude of symptoms. If your child has CF, identifying these symptoms early will allow you to seek prompt treatment, which can help to reduce complications.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch for thick or sticky bowel movements from your newborn. Stools may also be unusually smelly or even appear "fatty." Also watch for inadequate weight gain in infants and children, despite adequate appetites and feeding habits during the first few months of development.

• 2

  Look at your child's chest. Often, those afflicted with cystic fibrosis develop a "barrel chest" as a result of air that becomes trapped in the lungs.

• 3

  Listen for any kind of wheezing or chronic coughing in your infant or child. These episodes may or may not be accompanied by sputum that seems to get caught in the throat.

• 4

  Examine your child's nose and watch for signs of developing polyps or bulbous growths.

• 5

  Observe your child as he grows and develops. Watch for clubbing (stunted or rounded fingertips or toes). Pay attention to the frequency that your child experiences lung or sinus infections.

• 6

  Schedule a visit with your pediatrician if you believe that your child may be exhibiting symptoms of cystic fibrosis, or if you are unsure.