Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. It can cause sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.
Cystic fibrosis is not contagious. It is an inherited condition, meaning it can only be passed on genetically. However, if a person with cystic fibrosis develops a bacterial or viral lung infection, this is contagious to people with or without CF.
Symptoms

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

  • Recurrent

  • Production of yellowish-gray mucus, Production of clear-white mucus

  • Occurs or worsens at night, Occurs or is worse in the morning

common

Slow growth

common

Blocked nose

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

  • Recurrent

or Facial pressure

  • Lasting 4 weeks or more

or Headache

  • Frontal region, Behind the eyes

  • Recurrent

  • Occurs or worsens with bending down

or Runny nose

common

Fat in stool

common

Whistling breathing

  • Recurrent

common

Snoring

or Lack of sleep

common

Anemia

common

Failure to pass first poop

or Abdominal bloating

common

Very salty-tasting skin

common

Throwing up

  • Bile stained vomit

or Abdominal pain

  • In the upper left region, Located in middle upper region, In the upper right region

Swollen belly

or Enlarged feet or ankle

  • In both feet or ankles

or Enlarged thighs

or Swelling in lower leg

  • In both lower legs

Easily get bone fractures

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

or Chest discomfort

  • Recurrent

Nasal polyps

Yellow eyes or skin

Risk factors

Family history of Cystic Fibrosis

Treatment
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce complications and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention is recommended to slow the progression of CF, which can lead to a longer life.
Recommended specialist

If you have Cystic Fibrosis, then a visit to a pediatrician is recommended.

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Pediatrician

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