Cystic Fibrosis (Mucoviscidosis)
Cystic fibrosis (mucoviscidosis) is a recessive genetic disorder in which viscous mucus is excreted from bronchial glands, pancreas, sweat and salivary glands. Cysts and fibrosis in the pancreas affect its enzyme excretion resulting in fat malabsorption and leading to mucous, fatty diarrhea. Excessive excretion of bronchial glands causes chronic respiratory infection. Diagnosis is by detecting increased concentration of salt in the sweat.
For affected infants, breastfeeding is recommended; a dietitian should advise about diet for other children. Supportive treatment is through antibiotics, mucus thinning drugs, enzyme and nutrient supplements. Affected persons can expect to live until their 30-40th year of age; a common cause of death is respiratory failure. If both parents carry the defective gene, 25% of children stand a chance of developing the disease, 50% of them will likely be carriers with one defective gene and no symptoms and 25% of them will likely have no defective gene.
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