I've gotten a few emails and pm's asking about CF... here's a general explanation from
www.babycenter.com
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease. A child with CF has a faulty gene that affects the movement of sodium chloride (salt) in and out of certain cells.
The result is thick, heavy, sticky mucus, salty sweat, and thickened digestive juices. These thick secretions can clog the lungs, making a child with CF very prone to breathing difficulties, lung infections (the mucus provides a rich environment for bacteria), and, eventually, severe lung damage. And when thickened digestive fluids from the child's pancreas can't get to the small intestine to break down and absorb nutrients from the food he eats, he may also have digestive and growth problems.
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis in babies?
Fifteen to 20 percent of newborn babies with cystic fibrosis have something called meconium ileus at birth. This means their small intestine is obstructed with meconium, the seaweed-green substance that comes out in a baby's first poop. Sometimes the intestine will become twisted or not develop properly as a result. The meconium can also obstruct the large intestine, in which case the baby won't have a bowel movement for one or two days after birth.
Other babies with CF are fine at birth but then develop problems breathing or can't seem to put on weight in their first four to six weeks. Poor growth is one of the first signs of CF. Parents may also notice a nagging cough and wheezing.
Coughing and wheezing are hardly unique to children with CF, of course. These symptoms could be caused by viral bronchiolitis (an inflammation of the small breathing tubes) or asthma, pneumonia, or even a dusty, smoky environment. Each of these conditions is far more common than any genetic disease.
Still, cystic fibrosis is the most common life-shortening genetic disease among people of Northern European descent and should be considered. Other symptoms include salty-tasting skin, a big appetite with no weight gain, and large, greasy stools.
Sometimes the condition doesn't become apparent until a child has had a series of repeated lung infections or severe growth problems. If you think your baby may have any of these symptoms, talk with his doctor.
Cystic fibrosis can't be cured. But there are new treatments that can not only prolong a child's life but may also help make that life more normal. And the earlier CF is diagnosed, the more effective those therapies will be.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_cystic-fibrosis_10869.bc