Could my DS have cystic fibrosis?

[scaredykatt]

I posted a few days ago about my DS's persistent cough, but I'm posting under a different title in the hope of attracting some expert advice. My DS (12) has confirmed nasal polyps, nasal congestion (possibly allergies - he definitely has hayfever) and for several months has had a mucous-clearing (ie productive) cough which happens throughout the day, but doesn't seem to bother him and which never progresses to a "coughing fit". He doesn't spit out mucous after coughing.
Does anyone know whether this is suggestive of CF? He is now small for his age too (didn't used to be). He seems well - no history of exercise intolerance, chest infections or bowel problems. Just this cough, and the antihistamines and steroid nasal spray which he is on are making no difference.

scardeykatt, firstly I wonder what made you think of CF as a possible diagnosis as opposed to anything else? Do you have some understanding of the condition - your second paragraph suggests that you possibly do?

You must remember that CF is a rare condition, only 9,000 people in the UK have it so chance is on your side that your DS is free from it and is merely struggling with a prolonged chesty cough.

My DD has CF but was diagnosed at 2 weeks old. Most children will be pancreatic insufficient when they are born which means they are unable to produce digestive enzymes and so fail to put on weight and are classed as 'failure to thrive'. However, some children do have working pancreases and so need no medical supplements and grow at a normal rate. In time the pancreas can stop working but this would lead to obvious symptoms such as bloating, foul smelling fatty stools and a slow down in weight gain. I don't know anything about 12 year boys but I'm guessing that they're starting to hit puberty and some of them will shoot up quicker than others. Your DS may just be a late developer?

Again, some children with 'mild' cases of CF can go for years undected but from what I've read most will have suffered on and off for years from asthma, chest infections and all manner of respiratory problems. If this is the first time your DS has suffered from a prolonged cough then it feels like CF is not likely to be the cause.

Nasal polyps are common in people with CF but I don't think they are a symptom of CF just something they happen to have.

The only other marker I would suggest is whether your DS's skin tastes salty (and I don't mean just after he's been exercising!)? People with CF lose far more salt in their sweat than the rest of us. I if were to kiss my DD its as if if I'm kissing a packet of crisps!

Having said all the above, I am no doctor and only know my DDs experience. If you are at all worried, I would ask your GP for a sweat test to be carried out. This is recognised as being the diagnostic tool for CF and is a perfectly harmless procedure.

I hope your DS gets rid of his cough soon and you can put your mind to rest

I'm so sorry you are worrying like this. My DD3 also has CF and was diagnosed at 4 weeks. I can't really add anything new to mintynebs post, but I would also suggest you ask for a sweat test. It's a simple procedure and would at least give you some sort of an answer if only to rule out CF.

I hope your DS gets some relief from his cough soon. It's rotten for him and you.

Thank you so much for your replies. Mintyneb, what you say is really helpful. I don't really know anything about CF - I'm just a chronic googler and worrier and am hoping that I have put 2 and 2 together and made 5.
I have to admit that I have kissed (and licked ) him a few times the last few days, mainly when he's asleep, to see if I can taste salt. I'm not convinced that I can; at least it's not obvious, which probably means that I can't.
The thing which is bothering me is that this seems to have crept up on us over months and months with no obvious infective cause. I think I'll take your advice and ask the GP for a sweat test. Thanks again.