The lungs and airway are most frequently affected by cystic fibrosis, but the pancreas, the bowels, and the organs of the reproductive system may also be affected. Although the most prominent issue in CF, and the most likely cause of death due to CF, is lung disease, approximately 96% of individuals with cystic fibrosis also experience manifestations of the disease outside the lungs.[1]
The clinical signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:[2][3]
- Recurrent respiratory infections with a chronic cough containing mucus
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic sinus or respiratory infections
- Nasal polyps
- Cyanosis (blue tint to skin due to lack of oxygen)
- Finger clubbing
- Sodium loss
- Signs of malabsorption or intestinal obstruction
- Absence of the vas deferens