Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms: Everything You Need to Know About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is, quite possibly, one of the most life-threatening genetic diseases. In fact, cystic fibrosis symptoms are vast and numerous. The disease affects the entire body, slowly weakening each organ until lung disease occurs. The term cystic fibrosis comes from the fact that scarring and cyst formation can occur in the pancreas, which is then followed by a myriad of different cystic fibrosis symptoms. The disease is genetic, so cystic fibrosis symptoms can be witnessed even in early childhood. Cystic fibrosis symptoms do not follow one pattern, some symptoms vary depending on the person and also in varying degrees.



Cystic fibrosis symptoms occur because of the wearing out of the pancreas. This disease interferes with the secretion of hormones, and people with cystic fibrosis have abnormalities in the glands responsible for the secretion of sweat and mucus. People with the disease lose large amounts of the salt when they sweat, which in turn interferes with the balance of the blood’s mineral content and it may cause irregular heart rhythms. Because of their hormonal abnormalities, there is an overproduction of mucus in the lungs, which brings about cystic fibrosis symptoms like chronic cough, wheezing, asthma, and a change in the color of the sputum. Excessive mucus in the intestines, however, bring a myriad of different cystic fibrosis symptoms as well such as pale colored stool, abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, abdominal swelling and weight loss. Cystic fibrosis symptoms are caused by excessively thick mucus secretions in the lungs and the intestines. It is for this reason that cystic fibrosis symptoms result in breathing difficulties; a lack of nutrition which hinders growth; and respiratory infections that occur again and again.

Apart from affecting the lungs and the intestines, cystic fibrosis symptoms also affect the internal parts of the nose. Polyps in the inner nasal passages and sinusitis reflect these cystic fibrosis symptoms. Because of the patient’s lack of oxygen, cystic fibrosis symptoms such as clubbing, or the distortion of the angle of the nail bed, can occur. A patient with the disease displays cystic fibrosis symptoms like an enlargement of the tips of the fingers.



Cystic fibrosis symptoms such as coughing up phlegm with traces of blood can be also seen. Others with cystic fibrosis symptoms experience pneumothorax, or the destruction of lung tissues, which trap the air between the lungs and the chest wall. Heart problems can also occur because of the lack of oxygen. Cystic fibrosis symptoms such as cor pulmonale, or the enlargement of the right side of heart, is rare but it occurs. When the disease isn’t treated immediately, cystic fibrosis symptoms such as diabetes, gallstones, liver disease, and gall stones can occur.

There is no known cure for cystic fibrosis, but cystic fibrosis symptoms can be treated. Antibiotics and certain therapies are used to treat cystic fibrosis symptoms, and to ultimately lengthen the person’s life.