Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms: What Happens When One has this Condition?

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that can have adverse effects to the entire health of a person. It is caused by faulty genes that are responsible for the production of the mucus which is found lining the tissues of the organs. This means that when a person is born with cystic fibrosis, his or her body produces a thick mucus surrounding the tissues, which results in the blocking of the passageways of organs such as the lungs, the pancreas, and the digestive tract. The thick mucus lining can then increase the risk of the production of the bacteria in the organs thus causing infections that may result in organ failure.


Because the condition is something that is hereditary, cystic fibrosis symptoms manifest as early as the child’s first year. However, the severity of the symptoms varies from one person to another. Usually, these signs concern the lungs and the digestive organs. Some of the most common cystic fibrosis symptoms occur in:

Respiratory system

One of the most common cystic fibrosis symptoms is difficulty in breathing. When the condition affects the lungs, the thick mucus blocks the healthy flow of air in and out of the organ. This results to bacterial build up in the lungs causing other types of complications like wheezing coughs that may lead to pneumonia or bronchitis. In a worst case scenario, coughing out of bloody mucus may also be possible. An individual may also suffer from frequent colds and inflamed sinuses as well as asthma attacks.

Digestive system

When the condition affects the digestive system, cystic fibrosis symptoms include weight loss and malnutrition. This happens because the digestive enzymes that are produced in the pancreas are blocked by the thick mucus lining thus disrupting the breaking down of essential nutrients found in food. This makes it hard for the body to absorb all the nutrients that it needs in order to remain healthy. The slow digestion process can often lead to complications such as indigestion and constipation. Sometimes, the stool that is excreted by the body becomes oily and smelly too.

Other organs

Cystic fibrosis symptoms can also manifest in different organs too. If the condition affects the pancreas for instance, apart from the fact that it disrupts digestion, it can also inhibit the production of insulin, a substance that is needed by the body in order to regulate the blood’s glucose. This is why people suffering from this genetic disease often have diabetes too.



Sometimes, cystic fibrosis affects the reproductive organs as well. This can cause infertility among women as the thick mucus in the cervix can affect the ovulation cycle.