Symptoms of cystic fibrosis in babies range from mild to severe and appear within the first two months after birth. Most states screen newborns for cystic fibrosis and can make a diagnosis in the first two months of a baby’s life. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a gene mutation that affects the normal transfer of salt and water within certain cells, especially those lining the pancreas and lungs. This causes the buildup of a thick, sticky mucus called meconium, which can lead to respiratory and intestinal distress.
The first symptoms of cystic fibrosis in babies can present within the first two days of birth. As the meconium mucus quickly builds up in the intestines, it causes a blockage. If the intestines are blocked, the baby will not have a normal bowel movement for the first one or two days. This often rectifies itself within two days, but future bowel movements will appear somewhat large, greasy, or diarrhea-like. This is because the meconium continues to coat the intestinal walls, blocking nutrient-absorbing enzymes and causing most digested food to pass through without being absorbed into the system.
This chronic condition leads to poor growth, another symptom of cystic fibrosis in babies. Even if a baby has a large appetite, there will be little weight gain within the first four to six weeks. This can be combated with medications containing pancreatic enzymes that allow for greater nutrient absorption.
In that same time frame, the meconium also builds up in the lungs. This can cause a baby with cystic fibrosis to develop problems breathing, usually presenting with a nagging cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Often, this will further develop into a series of lung infections. Other common symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in babies include salty-tasting skin or sweat, a clubbing or enlargement of fingertips and toes, polyps in the nasal passageway or sinuses, rectal prolapse (where part of the rectum extends beyond the anus), and the absence of the vas deferens in males, causing infertility.
The disease affects one in 3,500 infants. As of 2011, there is no cure. Although many treatments are available to ease the symptoms of cystic fibrosis in babies, nothing can prevent the infections commonly associated with the disease. As an individual with cystic fibrosis gets older, infections tend to worsen and become harder to treat. Most individuals with cystic fibrosis can live into their late 30s.