Which of the following is a common part of the medical history for cystic fibrosis?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a common part of the medical history for cystic fibrosis?

Recurrent respiratory infections reflect the airway changes in cystic fibrosis. The defective CFTR protein leads to thick, sticky mucus that blocks airways and impairs mucociliary clearance. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, so patients commonly experience repeated pneumonias, bronchitis, and sinus infections over time. That pattern is a hallmark you’d expect to find in the medical history of someone with CF. Meconium ileus is a newborn presentation seen in many CF cases, but it’s an early event, not a typical ongoing history. A positive family history can occur but isn’t as consistently present or specific. Osteoporosis can develop later due to malabsorption and other factors, but it’s not as common a feature in the typical medical history as recurrent lung infections.

Recurrent respiratory infections reflect the airway changes in cystic fibrosis. The defective CFTR protein leads to thick, sticky mucus that blocks airways and impairs mucociliary clearance. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, so patients commonly experience repeated pneumonias, bronchitis, and sinus infections over time. That pattern is a hallmark you’d expect to find in the medical history of someone with CF.

Meconium ileus is a newborn presentation seen in many CF cases, but it’s an early event, not a typical ongoing history. A positive family history can occur but isn’t as consistently present or specific. Osteoporosis can develop later due to malabsorption and other factors, but it’s not as common a feature in the typical medical history as recurrent lung infections.

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