P75: Meconium ileus in cystic fibrosis

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus. The intestines are like a tube. There is a hollow space on the inside. The intestinal wall lies around this hollow space.

With cystic fibrosis, the genetic information for a particular protein is changed. When the genetic information changes, that particular protein does not work properly. The body needs the protein to produce certain fluids. If the protein does not work properly the phlegm in the lungs and intestine or the pancreatic juice can become very viscous, for example. This can cause organs to get blocked and damaged.

If the child's first stool is thick and very tough in its intestine, the small intestine can get blocked. If the intestine is blocked, its content can no longer be transported properly. During the first days of life, the stool can then not be excreted, or only excreted with difficulty. The abdomen may be bloated and vomiting may occur.