Cystic Fibrosis Causes & Symptoms
Affecting approximately 70,000 children and adults across the world, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes chronic problems for your child's lungs and digestive system. The disease is characterized by the production of excessively thick, sticky mucus, and has a distinctive set of causes and symptoms.
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CF Defective Gene
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CF is caused by a faulty gene that produces a defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein, the protein responsible for regulating the flow of salt in and out of cells. This protein alteration causes thick, sticky secretions in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.
CF Gene Carriers
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In order for a child to develop cystic fibrosis, he must inherit the CF defective gene from both parents; if your child inherits this gene from only one parent, then she will be a carrier for cystic fibrosis --- possibly passing it on to her own child someday --- but won't show signs of it herself.
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Symptoms in Infants
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Infants with cystic fibrosis may show symptoms early after birth, including meconium illeus (blocked intestines as a result of excessively thick meconium), failure to gain adequate weight, common respiratory infections, and steatorrhea (very thick, greasy stool).
Symptoms in Children
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Common symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children and young adults include blocked bowels, salty-tasting skin (due to excessive levels of salt in the sweat), greasy stools, slowed growth, and extreme respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, sinus and chest infections, and bronchitis or pneumonia.
Considerations
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According to the Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary greatly from person to person, depending upon the severity of the disease as well as your child's age.
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