A medical history is an important part of diagnosing cystic fibrosis in a child. The doctor asks parents a variety of questions as well as discusses behaviors and other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms.

General questions

• When did the symptoms start?
• Are the symptoms getting worse?
• Does anyone in your family have cystic fibrosis?
• Have you noticed that your child's skin is unusually salty?

Questions about lung function

• Is the child coughing up mucus? Does the child have a dry cough?
• Has the child had a lot of colds or coughs?
• Does the child get tired easily?

Questions about the digestive system

• Is there anything unusual about the child's stool?
• Does the child seem to have diarrhea a lot?
• Has the child lost weight or not grown despite eating normally?

Cystic fibrosis usually is diagnosed in childhood. If cystic fibrosis is not diagnosed until adulthood, usually it is because the condition is very mild. Infertility and ongoing mild problems with the respiratory or digestive systems may be the only symptoms of the disease.