Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Cystic fibrosis symptoms are dependant on the progression of the disease. This is an inherited disease that is characterized by early childhood onset, progressively worsening cystic fibrosis symptoms leading to death of the individual in their twentys or thirtys. It is a condition affecting all mucous membranes in the body.

Cystic fibrosis symptoms depend on age, affect on specific organs, types of infections, and what medical interventions are being administered.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Age: Historically, cystic fibrosis was diagnosed via a sweat test and noting an infant’s inability to pass feces. The sweat test is simply a taste of the infants sweat to examine saltiness. Cystic fibrosis symptoms include very salty sweat due to malfunctioning chloride channels. The inability to pass feces occurs in approximately 10-15% of infants and is due to a condition called myconium ilieus. This is an intenstinal blockage which is also one of the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

During and after infancy, cystic fibrosis symptoms can also be described based on the organ systems they are affecting.  Usually, cystic fibrosis symptoms affect lungs, digestive tract, and an individuals growth.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms of the Lung: The lung disease results from clogging of airways due to infections causing inflammation. Normal bacteria tend to grow out of control in the thicker than normal mucus causing infection.

This results in:

• Constant cough
• Large volume of phlegm production
• Decreased capacity to exercise
• Difficulty breathing

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms of Digestion: The thicker mucus membranes pose a number of issues for organs involved in digestion. The main problem is from thick secretions from the pancreas. These are unable to fully leave the organ causing severe pancreatitis. Furthermore, other cystic fibrosis symptoms related to an inflamed pancreas is poor nutrition. The pancreatic enzymes aren’t breaking down the food resulting in poor absorption in the intestines. Vitamin deficiency also results.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms of Growth: These cystic fibrosis symptoms are also related to pancreas damage because insulin levels decrease with progressive pancreas damage. Insulin is required to move glucose from the blood into cells where it is useful. With little insulin there is little growth of the individual. Loss of pancreatic function can also lead to diabetes.

There are more cystic fibrosis symptoms than what were briefly mentioned above.  If any of these cystic fibrosis symptoms are suspected, go visit a licensed medical practitioner for testing.