Life on top feature 3 kiss and tell
Although CF occurs in all races, it's most common in white people of Northern European ancestry. Risk factorsīecause cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, it runs in families, so family history is a risk factor. However, they will be carriers and could pass the gene to their own children. If children inherit only one copy, they won't develop cystic fibrosis. The type of gene mutation is associated with the severity of the condition.Ĭhildren need to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. Many different defects can occur in the gene. The result is thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as increased salt in sweat. In cystic fibrosis, a defect (mutation) in a gene - the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene - changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt in and out of cells. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Causes Seek immediate medical care if you're coughing up blood, have chest pain or difficulty breathing, or have severe stomach pain and distention. Contact you doctor if you experience new or worsening symptoms, such as more mucus than usual or a change in the mucus color, lack of energy, weight loss, or severe constipation. Consult a physician who is knowledgeable about CF.Ĭystic fibrosis requires consistent, regular follow-up with your doctor, at least every three months. If you or your child has symptoms of cystic fibrosis - or if someone in your family has CF - talk with your doctor about testing for the disease. Chronic or severe constipation, which may include frequent straining while trying to pass stool, eventually causing part of the rectum to protrude outside the anus (rectal prolapse).Intestinal blockage, particularly in newborns (meconium ileus).Without these digestive enzymes, your intestines aren't able to completely absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. The thick mucus can also block tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine. Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose.A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum).This can cause signs and symptoms such as: The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs.
Most of the other signs and symptoms of CF affect the respiratory system and digestive system. Parents often can taste the salt when they kiss their children. People with cystic fibrosis have a higher than normal level of salt in their sweat. People who are not diagnosed until adulthood usually have milder disease and are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as recurring bouts of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), infertility and recurring pneumonia. Some people may not experience symptoms until their teenage years or adulthood. Even in the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. But people born before newborn screening became available may not be diagnosed until the signs and symptoms of CF show up.Ĭystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. In the U.S., because of newborn screening, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed within the first month of life, before symptoms develop.