Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms for cystic fibrosis. However, individuals may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- Abnormalities in the glands that produce sweat and mucus
This may cause a loss of salt. A loss of salt may cause an upset in the balance of minerals in the blood, abnormal heart rhythms, and, possibly, shock. - Thick mucus that accumulates in the lungs and intestines
This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and/or lung disease. - Other medical problems, such as:
- Sinusitis
- Nasal polyps
- Clubbing of fingers and toes - a condition marked by the ends of the fingers and toes become enlarged; more prevalent in the fingers.
- Pneumothorax - the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity causing the lung to collapse.
- Hemoptysis - coughing blood.
- Cor pulmonale - enlargement of right side of heart.
- Abdominal pain
- Gas in the intestines
- Rectal prolapse
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Pancreatitis
- Gallstones
- Congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) in males
As stated above, the symptoms of cystic fibrosis differ for each person. Infants born with cystic fibrosis usually show symptoms by age two. Some children, though, may not show symptoms until later in life. The following signs are suspicious of cystic fibrosis, and infants having these signs may be tested for CF:
- Diarrhea that does not go away
- Foul-smelling stools
- Greasy stools
- Frequent episodes of wheezing
- Frequent episodes of pneumonia or other lung infections
- Persistent cough
- Skin tastes like salt
- Poor growth despite a good appetite
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a doctor for a diagnosis.