What is the most common complication of cystic fibrosis?

The most serious and common complications of cystic fibrosis are problems with the lungs, also known as pulmonary or respiratory problems, which may include serious lung infections.

What is a common complication of cystic fibrosis?

The most common complication is chronic respiratory infection. Other complications include: Bowel problems, such as gallstones, intestinal blockage, and rectal prolapse. Coughing up blood.

What is the main cause of death in CF?

Mucus in CF patients is very thick and accumulates in the intestines and lungs. The result is malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and eventually permanent lung damage. Lung disease is the usual cause of death in most patients.

What are the worst symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

What does cystic fibrosis affect the most?

The organs most often affected by cystic fibrosis are the lungs and the pancreas, which can lead to breathing and digestive problems.

Learn all of the Symptoms and Complications of Cystic Fibrosis (Step 1, COMLEX, NCLEX®, PANCE, AANP)

What are the long term effects of cystic fibrosis?

Over time, cystic fibrosis can damage lung tissue so badly that it no longer works. Lung function usually worsens gradually, and it eventually can become life-threatening. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death.

How long do people with CF live?

Based on the 2021 CF Foundation Patient Registry data, the current life expectancy for CF patients born between 2017 and 2021 is 53 years — a substantial jump from a decade ago when the life expectancy was 38. Now, almost 60% of us are older than 18.

Does CF get worse as you get older?

Cystic fibrosis tends to get worse over time and can be fatal if it leads to a serious infection or the lungs stop working properly. But people with cystic fibrosis are now living for longer because of advancements in treatment. Currently, about half of people with cystic fibrosis will live past the age of 40.

Why can't cystic fibrosis patients be together?

For people with CF, being close to others with the disease puts them at greater risk of getting and spreading dangerous germs and bacteria. This is called cross‐infection. Not only are these dangerous germs difficult to treat, but they can also lead to worsening symptoms and faster decline in lung function.

What it feels like to have cystic fibrosis?

Several people shared that CF feels like a cold that never goes away, which makes sense considering this diagnosis affects the lungs. Many folks named coughing and congestion as symptoms they deal with every day. “If they think a cold is bad, imagine having one all the time.

What is the oldest person to live with CF?

Can You Live a Long Life with Cystic Fibrosis? Recently, more and more people have been diagnosed with CF after age 50. The oldest person in the United States diagnosed with CF for the first time was 82.

What is end stage cystic fibrosis?

Common symptoms at the end of life include dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety, anorexia, pain, and cough (see Fast Facts #27, 199, 200). Care providers must balance benefit versus burden of disease-specific treatments such as nebulized medications, NIPPV, and chest physiotherapy.

What is the oldest person with cystic fibrosis?

At 86, Marlene Pryson may be one of the oldest individuals living with cystic fibrosis. During her long life, she has dedicated many years of service to helping CF families as a CF clinic coordinator and family liaison. Persistence, resilience, and strength of character can overcome many obstacles in life.

What is the most likely complication of cystic fibrosis in a newborn?

As a baby with CF gets older, lung infections can get worse. This can lead to serious, and sometimes deadly, lung damage. When mucus builds up in the digestive system, it blocks tubes in the pancreas, an organ in the belly. This can make it hard for the body's digestives system to break down food.

What should people with cystic fibrosis avoid?

Dietary Restrictions

As with any diet, eating foods with empty calories (such as sugar-laden drinks) is not recommended on the cystic fibrosis diet. People with CF need to eat a balanced diet with a variety of bright-colored fruits and vegetables, whole grains, whole-fat dairy products, and healthy protein.

What can you not do with cystic fibrosis?

Avoid activities that put you near other people with CF, to lower the risk of spreading sickness. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Clean and disinfect your medical equipment properly. Don't share items that come into contact with saliva (straws or utensils) with other people -- even family.

Can 2 people with cystic fibrosis be in the same room?

Cystic fibrosis patients should not be in the same space as each other. People with CF get infections that people without CF do not catch, and they're especially likely to transmit those germs to others with the disease. If you are a student, talk to school leaders about the six-foot rule.

Does CF cause brain damage?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients present with a variety of symptoms, including mood and cognition deficits, in addition to classical respiratory, and autonomic issues. This suggests that brain injury, which can be examined with non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is a manifestation of this condition.

Is CF considered a disability?

The Social Security Administration recognizes cystic fibrosis as a serious impairment in its Blue Book under Section 3.04. Applicants with cystic fibrosis are eligible for automatic approval of disability benefits if they suffer from poor lung function and repetitive lung infections.

Can you have CF and not know it?

While cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed in childhood, adults with no symptoms (or mild symptoms) during their youth can still be found to have the disease.

Does a lung transplant cure CF?

Does a lung transplant cure cystic fibrosis? No. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition so even though the transplanted lungs will not have CF and will never develop it, the rest of the person's body will continue to have cystic fibrosis.

Is CF painful?

Pain is an important part of cystic fibrosis disease in children and adults. Indeed, pain is reported in more than 60% of studies published last years. Further studies are necessary to create a specific pain assessment tool to evaluate pain and improve care.

What organs does cystic fibrosis affect?

CF causes thick mucus that clogs certain organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing problems, and chronic lung disease.

Is cystic fibrosis rarely fatal?

Cystic fibrosis used to be considered a fatal disease of childhood. With improved treatments and better ways to manage the disease, many people with cystic fibrosis now live well into adulthood. Adults with cystic fibrosis experience health problems affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Should people with cystic fibrosis have kids?

Most women with CF are able to become pregnant and achieve a normal pregnancy. Your obstetrician should be able to help you understand your reproductive health to help you make the right family planning decisions.