A 2-year-old girl has a medical history of recurrent obstructive pneumonia. In the lungs various moist and dry crackles can be auscultated, breath sounds are diminished. Sputum is thick, viscous and difficult to expectorate. Drumstick fingers and physical developmental retardation are observed. What preliminary diagnosis can be made?

Answer options

1. Pulmonary mucoviscidosis
2. Pulmonary tuberculosis
3. Congenital polycystic lungs
4. Bronchial asthma
5. Recurrent bronchitis

Explanation

Physically underdeveloped and suffering from cough attacks and dyspnea indicates cystic Fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lung, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections. Lung disease results from clogging of the airways due to mucus build-up decreased mucociliary clearance, and resulting inflammation. Inflammation and infection cause injury and structural changes to the lungs, leading to a variety of symptoms. Many of the symptoms occur when bacteria that normally inhabit the thick mucus grow out of control and cause pneumonia. The condition is diagnosed by genetic and sweat testing.