Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition which affects the body’s ability to produce secretions such as mucus, digestive juices, and sweat. Normally, these substances are slick and highly fluid, allowing them to move easily through bodily passageways. In cystic fibrosis sufferers, however, they are dense and sticky, and as a consequence they accumulate in the organs. This can in turn lead to a range of health problems, including breathing, digestive, and developmental difficulties. While there is no known cure for this condition, learning to recognize common cystic fibrosis symptoms can be critical to initiating medical intervention and improving the sufferer’s long-term outlook.
Sufferers of cystic fibrosis tend to have very high concentrations of salt in their sweat. Thus, one of the most easily recognizable cystic fibrosis symptoms is a noticeably salty taste on the skin of the sufferer. Often, parents detect this symptom when kissing their child’s cheek.
As cystic fibrosis commonly causes the airways to become plugged with thick, viscous mucus, many of the condition’s symptoms take the form of respiratory difficulties. Sufferers may experience frequent sinus and lung infections. They may also have chronic breathing trouble accompanied by audible wheezing and a constant cough.
Some cystic fibrosis symptoms are digestive in nature. This is due to the fact that the passageways which normally carry digestive secretions from the pancreas to the small intestine often become clogged in cystic fibrosis patients, affecting bowel movement production and passage. Consequently, cystic fibrosis sufferers frequently experience intestinal blockage and constipation. In addition, their bowel movements tend to have a highly unpleasant odor and are often fatty or greasy in constitution.
These digestive issues also tend to obstruct the absorption of nutrients from consumed food. Proper nutrition is vital to healthy development in young people. Thus a common cystic fibrosis symptom in children is the seeming inability of the child to gain weight accompanied by slowed or halted growth.
While cystic fibrosis is incurable, increasing understanding of the disease on the part of medical researchers has led to improved treatment methods. With proper treatment, cystic fibrosis sufferers can often live into their 50s. These treatments include antibiotic therapy to stave off infections, inhalers to improve breathing, and secretion-thinning drugs to lessen respiratory blockages. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to begin these treatments as early as possible. Thus, those who detect possible cystic fibrosis symptoms in themselves or others should consult a physician immediately.
