Cystic fibrosis: making a correct and early diagnosis

Cystic fibrosis is detected with increasing frequency in older children, adolescents, and even young adults. The quality of life and longevity in patients with cystic fibrosis is more favorable the earlier a diagnosis is made and a therapeutic regimen begun. This report presents and reviews five cases in chich the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was made after the age of six years. Emphasis is placed on the variability of presenting signs and symptoms and the problems that can arise in confirming a suspected diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.