Final answer:
The diagnostic consideration given the described symptoms of FFT, foul-smelling stools, recurrent infections, and nasal polyps in early childhood is cystic fibrosis, an autosomal recessive genetic condition affecting mucus production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The symptoms described in the question, such as failure to thrive (FFT), characteristically foul-smelling, bulky, floating stools, recurrent respiratory infections, and the presence of nasal polyps in early childhood, are strongly indicative of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that affects the exocrine glands, leading to the production of thick, sticky mucus which can clog various organs.
This results in the malabsorption of nutrients and frequent lung infections. Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis typically involves genetic testing, sweat tests to measure chloride levels in sweat, as well as imaging and pulmonary function tests to assess the degree of lung involvement.