Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects about 3 percent of the Caucasian population, according to the Merck Manual. CF causes abnormal sodium and water movement in and out of cells in certain organs, such as the lungs and pancreas. This leads to thick mucus production in those areas. CF is the most common genetic disorder in Caucasians, affecting about 1 in 3,300 infants in the U.S. CF is often diagnosed in infancy, because symptoms begin to affect the baby immediately.
Respiratory
Respiratory symptoms are a prevalent feature of CF, and are caused by the blockage of airways with thick mucus. Infants with CF are prone to respiratory infections because the mucus is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, according to the Mayo Clinic. Coughing and wheezing are common; the baby may also vomit, gag and have restless sleep, according to Merck. Treatment for respiratory symptoms include antibiotics and chest physical therapy followed by postural drainage. Postural drainage involves placing the infant in different positions to drain the mucus from the respiratory tree, and chest physical therapy is done to loosen secretions. Ibuprofen may be given to slow the decline of pulmonary function, according to Merck. Nasal polyps, which are benign fleshy growths, can also be a symptom of CF.
Gastrointestinal
Gastrointestinal symptoms are caused by the ducts leading from the pancreas to the small intestines becoming blocked with thick mucus, according to the March of Dimes. At birth,15 percent to 20 percent of infants with CF have meconium ilius, which means that meconium, the first stool, isn't passed. The abdomen is distended and the baby may vomit. Perforation of the intestines may cause peritonitis and shock, according to the Merck Manual. A less severe complication called meconium plug syndrome may be present instead of an ilius. These infants may have similar symptoms to those of ilius, or may have only mild symptoms. Enemas or surgery may be required to treat meconium ilius or meconium plug syndrome.
Other common symptoms of CF in infancy include a failure to grow and gain weight, even with a good appetite, and the passage of large, greasy stools. Prolapse or protrusion of the rectum through the anus occurs in 20 percent of untreated infants, according to Merck. Because of the blockage in the pancreas, enzymes required for digestion can't reach the intestines to break down fats and proteins, according to the Mayo Clinic. Enzyme replacements are given orally with every meal to treat CF.
Skin
Babies with CF taste salty if you kiss their skin, because they have excess salt in their sweat. A test for CF, the sweat test, measures the amount of sodium in the sweat by giving a small, painless stimulus to skin and collecting the sweat that occurs in response. Babies with CF may also sweat more than other babies and may have salt crystal formation on their skin, according to Merck.
