Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease commonly found in the Caucasian (white) people of U.S. Studies show that one in every 4,000 babies in the country, are born with this life-shortening disease (the 1997 ratio being 1 in 3,300 infants). The incidence of this disease is comparatively very less in African-American children (1 in 15,000) and Asian Americans (1 in 32,000). It is the most common genetic disease in the European countries, as one in every 22 people of the Mediterranean descent carries one gene of cystic fibrosis.

Mucus is a slimy secretion produced by the mucus membranes which are the linings of body cavities and internal organs. Normally, mucus is clear and thin, serving the purpose of filtering air during inhalation. In a person with cystic fibrosis, it becomes thick and sticky. This thick mucus blocks the lungs, causing infections and respiratory problems. It may also clog the ducts between pancreas and the small intestine, which leads to digestive problems and slow growth. This condition can also affect the liver and eventually result in multiple organ failure.

Symptoms

Cystic fibrosis symptoms may vary from person to person and from time to time. Some people with this disease may experience severe lung and digestive problems. Others may develop severe symptoms, as they reach adolescence. Most of the people suffering from this condition are likely to experience severe breathing problems, and respiratory failure is found to be the common reason for their death. In newborns with this disease, the skin tastes salty and the baby does not pass stools. Most of the symptoms of this disease depend on how it affects the various bodily systems. The following are some of the common symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

• Repeated lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
• Chronic cough, which expels thick sputum or mucus streaked with blood.
• Wheezing and frequent bouts of sinusitis.
• Some may develop more severe conditions, such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or bronchiectasis (obstruction of bronchial tubes).
• In some people, nasal polyps appear and these growths block the nose and require to be removed through surgery.
• Frequent diarrhea and bulky, foul-smelling greasy stools.
• Stomach pain due to constipation and accumulation of gas.
• Poor growth in kids, in spite of good appetite.
• Failure to thrive, in case of infants.
• Blockage or absence of vas deferens (tube that carries sperm out of the testicles), which causes infertility in males.
• Females may experience difficulty in conceiving due to blockage of cervix with thick mucus.
• Excessive salt in sweat, which causes dehydration, increased heartbeat rate, tiredness, weakness, low blood pressure and heat stroke.
• Low bone density and a condition called 'clubbing', which is characterized by the widening and rounding of the tips of your fingers and toes.
• In severe cases, the person may also develop problems in liver function due to inflamed or blocked bile ducts, diabetes, gallstones, osteoporosis, pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas), rectal prolapse (rectal tissue moving out of rectum).

Even though, there is no specific cure for this disease, researches are still underway. As compared to the past, the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis patients has been increasing, thanks to the recent advancements in the treatment methods. Let us hope for the invention of a miracle medicine, that can eradicate this disease completely.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.