In the United States, approximately 30,000 people live with cystic fibrosis--a chronic hereditary disease that affects the respiratory and digestive tracts--reports the American Lung Association. This disease most commonly affects Caucasian patients during infancy or childhood and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Infants or children who develop signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis should receive further medical evaluation from a doctor.
Salty Skin
Patients with cystic fibrosis secrete high levels of salt in their sweat, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. As a result, these patients can have salty-tasting skin, which may be noticeable when a parent or sibling kisses the cheek of an affected patient. These patients may also be more prone to developing dehydration due to excessive salt loss through sweating.
Breathing Difficulties or Recurrent Lung Infections
Cystic fibrosis is a disease in which the body produces unusually large amounts of thick, sticky mucus. This mucus can clog a patient's lungs or respiratory tract, leading to symptoms such as breathing difficulties, wheezing or chronic cough, reports the Merck Manual. When a patient coughs, he may repeatedly expel thick mucus or sputum from the lungs. Patients with cystic fibrosis are also at an increased risk of developing recurrent lung infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This sign of cystic fibrosis occurs because the lungs are unable to clear bacteria or viruses from the respiratory tract.
Increased Appetite and Weight Loss
This disease can also lead to excessive mucus buildup within the digestive tract. Digestive mucus can interfere with the way vitamins and nutrients are absorbed from the food patients ingest. As a result, patients with cystic fibrosis can experience constant sensations of hunger accompanied by unintended weight loss, explains the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Bowel Movement Changes and Stomach Upset
Unusual digestive mucus can also cause bowel movement changes in patients with cystic fibrosis. These patients may frequently produce stools that are unusually foul-smelling and appear greasy or discolored, reports the ALA. These bowel changes can also be accompanied by abdominal swelling, pain or gas.
Nasal Polyps
Cystic fibrosis patients can develop unusual growths within the nose--a sign called nasal polyps, reports the UMMC. Nasal polyps can be uncomfortable and may increase a patient's risk of developing nasal infections, such as sinusitis.
Growth Delays
The Merck Manual reports that young patients with this disease can experience growth delays as a symptom of cystic fibrosis. Affected infants may not be able to gain weight normally, which can result in a failure to thrive. Without appropriate treatment, these symptoms of cystic fibrosis can be life-threatening.
