Symptoms

Now that we know what’s happening in the cells of a person with Cystic Fibrosis, what does that mean for the things we can see, hear, smell, taste and touch?

The symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis affect several different organ systems in the body: the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems mainly.

Airways in the lungs are lined with mucus to stop them from becoming dried out, keep them opening and closing properly, and helping prevent infections from developing there. When the cell can’t properly move chlorine ions across the cell membranes, water movement can’t be regulated properly causing this mucus to become thick. Mucus in the airways of a normal person would be like running water through a small tube, thin and slippery. Lungs affected with Cystic Fibrosis might be more like dumping honey or maple syrup through the tube. It will move, but it will move slowly. It can even build up and become blocked, which is a concern in the airways of those with CF. This thick mucus also can lead to repeated lung infections. In a normal person, mucus will catch bacteria and other germs then remove them from the lungs, much like maybe putting a few bread crumbs in the tube. When water, the normal mucus in our visualization, is poured through the tube, the bread crumb germs can come out much faster. However, when honey is poured through that same tube, the bread crumbs can clump together as they slowly move through the tube. When infections have that extra time in the lungs, they are able to grow much more easily and can turn into more serious infections. These repeated infections can damage the lungs permanently, even. To wrap up these symptoms into a small list, those with Cystic Fibrosis would likely experience in the respiratory system:


·         Coughing or increased mucus in the sinuses or lungs
·         Fatigue
·         Nasal congestion
·         Recurrent episodes of pneumonia
·         Sinus pain or pressure
·         Frequent sinus infections
·         Shortness of breath
·         And other respiratory complications.

In the digestive system, the pancreas can become clogged with this extra thick mucus. The pancreas makes digestive enzymes that get sent to your small intestine. These enzymes help break down food so your body can absorb fats, proteins, and other nutrients. Without these nutrients, Cystic Fibrosis patients can develop vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Imagine eating without actually taking in a good portion of the nutrients you’ve consumed—it’s rather dangerous and probably very frustrating. This can also cause intestinal discomfort, a swollen belly from constipation, fatty stools, and other frustrations in the digestive system. Again, a quick reference list of digestive system symptoms in Cystic Fibrosis patients:


·         Failure to gain weight normally during childhood
·         Weight loss or generally low weight
·         Delayed growth
·         Belly pain
·         Nausea
·         Loss of appetite
·         Stools that float, are foul smelling, have mucus, or appear a strange pale or clay color
·         Increased gas bloating
·         Swollen belly
·         Less frequent bowel movements

The reproductive system is mainly affected in men. In men, mucus clogs the tubes that carry sperm, causing them to deteriorate before birth; these men are infertile (incapable of having children). In women, the disease can simply make it more difficult to become pregnant because of the thickness of the mucus, as well.

Other symptoms include a higher risk for diabetes, osteoporosis (a condition that causes bone thinning), and salty sweat. When patients with Cystic Fibrosis sweat, they lose more salt. That messes up the balance of minerals in the blood and causes health concerns such as dehydration, increased heart rate, fatigue, weakness, decreased blood pressure, and heat stroke.

Mucus blocks airways as well as enzyme tracks
in the respiratory and digestive systems.

Because of the thickness of the mucus, many systems in the body get “stuck.” This can restrict enzyme transfer, air flow, and even the ability to conceive children. These symptoms, thankfully, are very treatable. Many new medications and treatments are becoming available to help with these symptoms and will continue to bring relief and assistance to more people.

Keep Hope,

Cystic Sister @----