A two-year-old child with a history of meconium ileus presents with severe respiratory symptoms. What is a likely diagnosis?

The diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is highly likely in this case, especially given the child's history of meconium ileus. Meconium ileus, which occurs when the meconium (the first stool of a newborn) is thick and sticky, is often associated with cystic fibrosis. This genetic disorder affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs due to mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

In cystic fibrosis, the thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs can lead to several severe respiratory symptoms, including difficulty breathing, frequent lung infections, and wheezing. The history of meconium ileus is a significant clue that suggests the presence of cystic fibrosis, as it's one of the classic presentations of this condition in neonates.

While other conditions listed may cause respiratory symptoms, they do not have the same association with meconium ileus. For example, respiratory syncytial virus typically presents acutely in young children but does not have any link to history of meconium ileus. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is related to lung injury from mechanical ventilation and oxygen use in preterm infants, rather than being a primary diagnosis linked to meconium