Which condition would prompt consideration of cystic fibrosis during diagnosis?

Recurrent pneumonia is a significant clinical indicator that may prompt consideration of cystic fibrosis during diagnosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, primarily causing the production of thick and sticky mucus. This abnormal mucus can obstruct the airways and make it difficult to clear pathogens, leading to frequent lung infections, including recurrent pneumonia.

In children with cystic fibrosis, the combination of defective mucus clearance and chronic inflammation can result in lung damage over time, making pneumonia a common complication. These recurrent infections can also be associated with symptoms such as wheezing, persistent cough, and decreased lung function. Therefore, a child who experiences recurrent episodes of pneumonia, particularly at a young age, should be evaluated for cystic fibrosis among other diagnoses.

Other conditions listed may present with respiratory symptoms, but they do not have the same strong association with cystic fibrosis. Hyperthermia, hypotonia, and stridor may indicate various other medical issues, but they are less specific to the cystic fibrosis diagnosis compared to recurrent pneumonia.