Common Signs and Symptoms of CF

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the most commonly seen signs in an individual with CF include:

• skin that tastes salty 
• persistent cough (that can include mucus production) 
• frequent lung infections 
• wheezing/shortness of breath 
• poor growth/slow weight gain 
• greasy, large stools or constipation

The signs that are usually first detected when the individual is a baby include salty tasting skin and constipation. Parents typically notice the salty taste of the skin when kissing their newborn. If this is paired with the baby's inability to pass a stool in the first days of life, the baby's provider should be notified.

It is important to know that CF can affect many different organs within the body and that not all of the outward signs can capture this full picture. The organs that can be affected are summarized in the image below.

Respiratory System: The thick and sticky build up of mucus experienced by those with CF makes the lungs prone to the accumulation of bacteria and infections. This will cause frequent coughing (usually with mucus production). Besides lung infections, the individual is also at risk for sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Some of these infections can become more serious and cause permanent lung damage. If the lungs are not able to provide oxygen to the rest of the body, clubbing in the fingers and toes may be seen. Clubbing is when the tips of the fingers and toes become wider and more round. Dr. Michael Marcus explains some common CF signs/symptoms

Digestive System: The overproduction of mucus in CF can block tubes in the pancreas, which ultimately presents needed nutrients from reaching the intestines. This leaves the intestines unable to absorb fat and proteins which causes the greasy, black stools. If the blockage is too much in the intestines, constipation can result (this is the most commonly seen in newborns). The inability to absorb necessary nutrients is also responsible for the poor weight gain and growth seen in children with CF. A variety of more serious problems including gallstones, diabetes, and infection of the pancreas can also occur if digestive symptoms become too severe. 

Reproductive System: Men with CF are born without a vas deferens (the tube that transport sperm from the testes to the penis) which leaves them infertile. Women with CF may have a great deal of mucus blocking the cervix, which can make it difficult to get pregnant. 

Skin: Because of an imbalance in minerals, CF causes the salt to be very sweaty. When too much sweat is lost in the salt, it can quickly lead to severe dehydration. Individuals who are very dehydrated may have a fast heart rate, be very tired, have a decreased blood pressure, and can even experience heat stroke. 

Below, Dr. Michael Marcus summarizes some of the common signs/symptoms seen in cystic fibrosis.  

References: 

Diseases and conditions: Cystic fibrosis - Symptoms. (2012, June 13). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/basics/symptoms/con-20013731

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis? (2013, December 26). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cf/signs

About CF: Causes, Signs & Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis | CF Foundation. (2014, May 1). Retrieved February 8, 2015, from http://www.cff.org/AboutCF/