cystic-fibrosis-symptoms-in-children
Bezzy communities provide meaningful connections with others living with chronic conditions. Join Bezzy on the web or mobile app.
Can't get enough? Connect with us for all things health.
What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis in Children? =====================================================
Children with cystic fibrosis may experience more frequent lung and sinus infections, delayed growth, and large, greasy, irregular bowel movements.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cystic fibrosis affects
people in the United States. Individuals with this condition have a buildup of thick, sticky mucus around their lungs and digestive tract.
Although some individuals may not display symptoms of cystic fibrosis until closer to adulthood, many children with cystic fibrosis experience frequent lung infections and problems with their digestive tract. Awareness of cystic fibrosis symptoms and the treatment options available can help parents of children with cystic fibrosis improve their quality of life.
Learn more about cystic fibrosis.
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children?
in children can include:
What other conditions does cystic fibrosis cause in children?
Children with cystic fibrosis may develop:
Individuals with cystic fibrosis
:
What causes symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children?
Inherited genetic mutations cause
. It requires both parents to pass along a genetic mutation for cystic fibrosis. Individuals who receive a genetic mutation from only one of their parents are carriers of cystic fibrosis but won’t actually have the condition.
Cystic fibrosis results in the formation of thick, sticky mucus around the lungs and pancreas. As this continues to build up, it can lead to symptoms because of breathing problems and difficulty breaking down food. Damage to organs can also make individuals more likely to get infections.
What‘s the treatment for symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children?
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are treatments to reduce symptoms and help prevent related complications.
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator therapies are FDA-approved medications that help treat individuals with CF who have specific CFTR gene mutations. For individuals with identified CFTR mutations, these medications alone can significantly decrease the need for airway clearance methods and relieve many CF symptoms. CFTR modulator medications include:
Treatment for cystic fibrosis in children often focuses on:
The doctor may recommend special therapy devices, techniques, and regular exercise to help clear out mucus. They may also recommend special diets and supplements to ensure sufficient nutrient absorption.
For children ages 12 years and older, doctors consider CFTR modulators as the first-line treatment since they can significantly reduce the need for airway clearance methods and reduce or eliminate a majority of other symptoms.
Your child’s doctor will likely
recommend additional medications
to:
In cases of severe lung or liver damage, an organ transplant may be necessary.
What‘s the outlook for children with cystic fibrosis?
More than 50% of individuals with cystic fibrosis live to be older than 40 years. Because of medical advances, children born with cystic fibrosis are likely to live even longer. However, many factors impact an individual’s life span. Early diagnosis and treatment of cystic fibrosis can improve an individual’s outlook.
Frequently asked questions
If
of a cystic fibrosis gene mutation, there is a 25% chance that a child born to them will have cystic fibrosis. There is a 50% chance that any child born will be a carrier for cystic fibrosis, no matter how many children they have.
According to
an old study on infection control
, individuals with cystic fibrosis should avoid contact with one another. They are prone to serious infections that are not common in others. Keeping distance reduces the risk of cross infection. Social media and online communities can offer opportunities to connect safely.
Babies in the United States have their
for evidence of cystic fibrosis shortly after birth. After this, doctors may use additional testing, like a sweat test, to confirm a cystic fibrosis diagnosis. Healthcare professionals may perform
before the baby’s birth if parents are known to be carriers of cystic fibrosis.
Takeaway
Children with cystic fibrosis may experience a range of symptoms depending on the amount of mucus building up around their lungs and digestive tract. These symptoms can include frequent lung infections and various digestive problems. Children with cystic fibrosis may also have reduced height and slow weight gain if they are unable to absorb nutrients properly.
While there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, a range of treatment options are available to help treat your child, depending on the symptoms they are experiencing. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes for children with cystic fibrosis.
Share this article
OUR BRANDS