CYSTIC FIBROSIS – STATISTICS
Small islands of cells, scattered through the pancreas, produce insulin, which passes directly into the blood and is necessary for the metabolism of glucose.
As well, there is some disorder of the sweat glands, so that an excessive amount of salt is lost in sweat.
The child is susceptible to recurrent and persistent chest infections, and also to poor digestion and malabsorption from a decrease of pancreatic enzymes.
About 20 per cent of all cases present shortly after birth with a bowel obstruction. Another 35 per cent are diagnosed in the first two years because of persistent and recurrent infections.
A further 30 per cent will be diagnosed because of malabsorption. A reduction in pancreatic enzymes means that protein and fat is poorly digested. These children fail to gain weight and also pass greasy and foul-smelling stools.
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