Cystic Fibrosis - Symptoms - Better Medicine

What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Typically, symptoms of cystic fibrosis and its complications affect the respiratory system and the digestive system. However, the symptoms vary between individuals, and not all people will experience symptoms in both body systems.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis that affect the respiratory system

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis generally affect the lungs and the respiratory system. In healthy lungs, air and oxygen pass through the upper respiratory tract, through the bronchioles, and into the alveoli. The alveoli are tiny, hollow sac-like structures where oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream. However, cystic fibrosis causes the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in these air passages, reducing the effectiveness of breathing and the intake of oxygen. This results in shortness of breath and a chronic cough. Mucus buildup also encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses, leading to chronic lung infections.

Symptoms related to problems with breathing and the respiratory system include:

Chronic cough
Coughing up thick sputum that may contain blood
Fatigue with or without exertion
Frequent or chronic lung infections such as pneumonia
Nasal congestion
Shortness of breath
Sinus pain or pressure
Symptoms of respiratory infections, such as fever and malaise

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis that affect the digestive system

Cystic fibrosis can cause serious problems with the pancreas, which produces enzymes that are required to digest food. Cystic fibrosis can cause mucus to block the ducts that carry enzymes from the pancreas to the digestive tract, leading to difficulties with digestion as well as vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Symptoms related to problems with digestion and the gastrointestinal system include:

Abdominal pain
Constipation
Feces that are fatty, greasy, unusually foul smelling, or unusually pale
Gas, bloating, and abdominal swelling
Growth delays and failure to gain weight in infants and children
Lack of a bowel movement in first day or two of life in a newborn
Nausea
Nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) due to liver dysfunction

Other symptoms of cystic fibrosis

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis and its complications that can affect areas of the body outside the digestive and respiratory systems include:

Excessive hunger
Excessively salty sweat or salty tasting skin
Infertility
Joint pain
Symptoms of dehydration, such as thirst, weakness, and decreased urination

Symptoms that might indicate a serious or life-threatening condition

Cystic fibrosis can lead to serious complications, such as diabetes, respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, your child, or someone you are with, have any of the following symptoms that may be associated with these conditions:

Change in consciousness or alertness including lethargy, unresponsiveness, passing out, confusion, or disorientation
Severe abdominal pain
Severe difficulty breathing including shortness of breath or wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound made with breathing)

INTRODUCTION

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs, intestines, liver and pancreas. In cystic fibrosis, mucus-producing glands make excessive amounts of abnormally thick and sticky mucus, which clogs and obstructs the body’s digestive tract and air passages. The excessive mucus leads to serious problems with digestion and breathing, which often results in an early death. Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults (Source: NIH).... Read more about cystic fibrosis introduction

CAUSES

What causes cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. It is caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene that triggers the mucus-producing glands of the body to make excessive amounts of abnormally thick and sticky mucus. A person must inherit two copies of the defective gene, one from each parent, in order to develop cystic fibrosis. Each parent of an affected individual carries one copy of the defective gene, but they do not usually show symptoms of the disease.... Read more about cystic fibrosis causes

TREATMENTS

How is cystic fibrosis treated?

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but early diagnosis and consistent compliance with a treatment program can help to reduce symptoms and complications and extend life. Treatments for cystic fibrosis include a multifaceted approach that is tailored to your specific symptoms, the presence of coexisting diseases and complications, your age and medical history, and other factors.... Read more about cystic fibrosis treatments