Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which the defective gene causes abnormally thick mucus secretions. The thickened mucus tends to clog the passageways into which it is secreted. The lungs and pancreas are particularly susceptible to the effects of cystic fibrosis. The American Lung Association reports approximately 30,000 Americans are living with cystic fibrosis, which is most often diagnosed in infancy or early childhood. Characteristic symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children typically involve the lungs and digestive system.
Intestinal Blockage in Newborns
"The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" reports approximately 15 to 20 percent of children born with cystic fibrosis present in the first days of life with intestinal obstruction, a condition known as meconium ileus. Meconium is mucoid, fecal material that accumulates in a baby's intestine while in the womb. Normally, meconium passes in the first day or two after birth. However, the thick mucus associated with CF may cause the meconium to lodge in the intestine causing blockage.
Poor Weight Gain and Stunted Growth
The pancreas produces and secretes digestive enzymes, which normally flow into the small intestine. These enzymes are necessary to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed from the intestine into the bloodstream. Thickened mucus associated with CF slows or blocks the normal flow of pancreatic secretions causing incomplete digestion of consumed food. With inadequate digestion, children receive limited nutrition from the food they eat. This can manifest in infants as poor weight gain and growth, or failure to thrive. According to the Cleveland Clinic poor weight gain and stunted growth are present in many children with CF throughout childhood.
Wheezing and Cough
The American Lung Association reports approximately 90 percent of children with CF have airway involvement. The lungs continuously secrete mucus to trap particulate matter and infectious agents from the air. Pulsations of tiny hairs in the lining of the airways normally move mucus out of the lungs, keeping the airways clean. With cystic fibrosis, the actions of the hairs are ineffective due to the thickness and stickiness of the mucus produced. The chronic presence of abnormal mucus in the airways causes wheezing and persistent cough in children with CF. Intermittent airway blockage and mucus stagnation predispose children with CF to lung infections. More than 50 percent of children with CF have repeated bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Abdominal Bloating and Abnormal Stools
Blockage of pancreatic digestive enzymes causes incomplete break down of dietary fats. The presence of these fats often causes a buildup of intestinal gas with abdominal bloating, according to the Mayo Clinic. Discomfort and abdominal pain may also occur. Stools are typically frequent and have an oily appearance and a characteristically foul odor.
