What is commonly a symptom of cystic fibrosis in children?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. One of the hallmark symptoms in children is a chronic cough. This occurs because the thick, sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis builds up in the airways, leading to obstruction and making it difficult for the body to clear out trapped bacteria and debris. This persistent mucus production causes inflammation and irritation in the airways, resulting in a chronic cough that is often characterized by mucus production.

In contrast, severe headaches, frequent abdominal pain, and observable rashes, while they can occur in many conditions, are not prominently linked to cystic fibrosis as primary symptoms. Thus, the identification of a chronic cough as a key feature of cystic fibrosis in children highlights the respiratory complications that this disease often presents.