The medical community continues to make strides in the treatment of cystic fibrosis. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the median predicted age of survival rose to 37.4 years in 2008, up from 32 years in 2000. The March of Dimes notes that most states routinely screen newborns for CF. Babies with CF who are not screened are usually identified when they become symptomatic, either as newborns or during the first years of life.
No Bowel Movements
MedLine Plus explains that one of the first symptoms of cystic fibrosis is the lack of bowel movements within 24 to 48 hours after being born. Most hospitals do not release babies until they have made at least one bowel movement. Checking with the pediatric nurses is one way to find out whether your baby has made a bowel movement during those first days.
CF has varying degrees of severity. Babies with milder CF may not exhibit this symptom.
Abnormal Stools
Babies with CF often have clay or chalk-colored stools that have a particularly foul smell. This is very different from the greenish-yellow or brown stools that babies often have.
The Health Guide of the New York Times explains that the color of stool is dictated by the release of bile salts from the liver. Since CF affects how bile flows, stools are often abnormal.
Salty-Tasting Skin
Babies with cystic fibrosis have salty-tasty skin. Mom may kiss the baby, only to be surprised by the taste on her lips.
Kids Health explains that this salty taste comes from a defective form of a protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Salt does not pass through membranes normally when this protein is defective.
Delayed Growth
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation notes that many babies with CF demonstrate delayed growth and poor weight gain despite having a good appetite. The March of Dimes explains this is because CF children need to take pancreatic enzymes to help their bodies absorb nutrients from food. Parents should consult a dietitian regarding their baby's diet and growth. The March of Dimes notes that "a healthy, high-calorie diet supplemented with vitamins A, D, E and K" is very helpful.
Intestinal Blockage
The March of Dimes reports that intestinal blockage--called meconium ileus--is common in newborns with CF. This is caused when the newborn is unable to pass his first stools because they are too thick.
