What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cystic
Fibrosis?
Most of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF) are
caused by the thick, sticky mucus. The most common symptoms include:
- Frequent coughing that brings up thick sputum, or
phlegm (flem).
- Frequent bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia. They
can lead to inflammation and permanent lung damage.
- Salty-tasting skin.
- Dehydration.
- Infertility (mostly in men).
- Ongoing diarrhea or bulky, foul-smelling, and
greasy stools.
- Huge appetite but poor weight gain and growth.
This is called "failure to thrive." It is a result of chronic malnutrition
because you do not get enough nutrients from your food.
- Stomach pain and discomfort caused by too much
gas in your intestines.
CF can also lead to other medical problems,
including:
- Sinusitis. The sinuses are air-filled spaces behind your eyes,
nose, and forehead. They produce mucus and help keep the lining of your nose
moist. When the sinuses become swollen, they get blocked with mucus and can
become infected. Most people with CF develop sinusitis.
- Bronchiectasis. Bronchiectasis is a lung
disease in which the bronchial tubes, or large airways in your lungs, become
stretched out and flabby over time and form pockets where mucus collects. The
mucus provides a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to repeated lung
infections. Each infection does more damage to the bronchial tubes. If not
treated, bronchiectasis can lead to serious illness, including respiratory
failure.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation in the
pancreas that causes pain.
- Episodes of intestinal blockage, especially in
newborns.
- Nasal polyps, or growths in your nose, that may
require surgery.
- Clubbing. Clubbing is the widening and rounding
of the tips of your fingers and toes. It develops because your lungs are not
moving enough oxygen into your blood stream.
- Collapsed lung. This is also called
pneumothorax.
- Rectal prolapse. Frequent coughing or problems
passing stools may cause rectal tissue from inside you to move out of your
rectum.
- Liver disease due to inflammation or blocked bile ducts.
- Diabetes.
- Gallstones.
- Low bone density because you do not get enough
Vitamin D.
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