Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease, which means that it is the result of faulty genes being passed from parents to the offspring. Cystic fibrosis is the result of a mutation in a protein that moves chloride (a form of chlorine) throughout the body. Because of this defect, patients have unusually dry and thick mucus in their lungs and digestive system.
Respiratory Symptoms
According to MayoClinic.com, cystic fibrosis commonly causes severe respiratory symptoms. The most common respiratory problems are a chronic cough and wheezing, which is caused by the mucus in the lungs being abnormally thick and viscous. Patients with cystic fibrosis are also prone to developing repeated sinus and lung infections.
Digestive Symptoms
Patients with cystic fibrosis also experience digestive problems. This is because the tube that connects the pancreas to the rest of the digestive system becomes blocked. The pancreas secretes enzymes that are critical for proper digestion. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, without pancreatic enzymes patients can develop diarrhea and fatty or bulky bowel movements. They can also develop severe gas. Over time patients can develop pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and diabetes as well as gallstones and liver disease.
Reproductive Symptoms
Males who have cystic fibrosis are sterile. This results from the vas deferens (a tube that connects the testicles to the penis) never developing. Women also may experience fertility problems because the mucus around their cervix is unusually thick and viscous, which makes it difficult for sperm to get access to eggs.
Sweat
Patients with cystic fibrosis also have unusually salty sweat. Measurement of the salt content of a patient's sweat is one way that doctors diagnose cystic fibrosis. The high salt content of the sweat causes patients to perspire more than usual, which can lead to dehydration.
Other Symptoms
Patients with cystic fibrosis also can have decreased density of their bones, which is a result of mineral imbalances caused by deficiencies in chloride. They also can develop clubbing, which is a thickening of the lining of their toes and fingers. This is a result of chronic low oxygen levels in the body, a result of poor oxygen absorption from the mucus-filled lungs.
