Physical exam to help diagnose cystic fibrosis
A doctor will perform a physical exam when he or she suspects that a baby or child has cystic fibrosis. Usually, symptoms of cystic fibrosis appear during infancy or early childhood. During the exam, the doctor may:
- Listen to the child's heart and lungs with a stethoscope to find out if mucus is clogging breathing passages.
- Take the child's temperature, pulse, blood pressure, height, and weight. If a child is not gaining weight at a normal rate and has other symptoms, such as frequent lung infections or greasy stools, cystic fibrosis may be suspected.
- Feel the stomach for an enlarged liver, swollen belly, or firm lumps, particularly on the right side of the body.
- Look at the fingers for thickening and rounding of the fingertips (clubbing) or curving of the fingernails. This may mean the child has respiratory problems.
- Look inside the nose for nasal polyps.
A physical exam alone will not diagnose cystic fibrosis. The doctor will also consider the child's risk factors and test results before making a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
If cystic fibrosis is first suspected in adulthood, it is usually because symptoms are mild.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: June 26, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology | |
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