Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that is inherited from both parents. It thickens the bodily secretions, which adversely effects the lungs, pancreas, testicles, salivary glands and liver. Respiratory problems and dietary deficiencies result from this disease. With modern advances in treatment, children born with cystic fibrosis can hope to live into their sixth decade or beyond. Several symptoms typically affect cystic fibrosis sufferers.
No Bowel Movement After Birth
The Nemours Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children's health, explains that some newborns with cystic fibrosis fail to pass the initial meconium stool. The thick substance that makes up a baby's first bowel movement is unusually sticky and thick in the case of a newborn with cystic fibrosis. As a result, the stool may become trapped in the intestine, causing the baby to have no bowel movement during the first two days of life.
Failure to Thrive
An infant with cystic fibrosis may develop a condition known as failure to thrive. The child does not gain weight as expected and stays at or below the lower limits of normal for weight and, sometimes, height. "Medical-Surgical Nursing" reports that children with cystic fibrosis often grow up to be thinner and smaller than an average-sized adult. This failure to grow properly derives from the blockage of digestive enzymes that normally help the body make use of food nutrients.
Oily Stools
The inability to absorb fat from food allows it to be expelled from the body in bowel movements. This causes oily, foul-smelling stools that float in the toilet. Mucus may be obvious in the bowel movement. Sometimes, the stools are pale colored instead of brown.
Distended Abdomen
Abdominal distention is characteristic of cystic fibrosis. This is due to constipation related to the thickened mucus-blocking digestive enzymes and not allowing the proper digestion of food. Chronic constipation leads to nausea and a poor appetite. Appetite loss exacerbates the nutritional problems of a child who is already failing to gain weight.
Lung Infections
MayoClinic.com explains that individuals with cystic fibrosis are susceptible to multiple lung infections. This is due to thickened mucus trapping germs in the lungs. Wheezing and coughing episodes are common during these infections, which can become serious. Fever, fatigue and a fast heart rate are typical manifestations of these lung infections. Similarly, recurrent sinus infections may plague the person with cystic fibrosis.
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing difficulties are common even when the lungs are not infected. This is largely due to congestion related to the thickened secretions found in cystic fibrosis. By the time the individual reaches adulthood, he may rely on accessory, or secondary, muscles to assist in breathing. Activity tolerance may be compromised, causing her to need frequent rest periods.
References
- MedlinePlus: Cystic Fibrosis
- MayoClinic.com: Cystic Fibrosis
- The Nemours Foundation: KidsHealth: Cystic Fibrosis
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, MS, RN, and Linda Workman, Ph.D., RN; 2002
