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.

Can cystic fibrosis affect other organs?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.

What organs are affected by fibrosis?

Chronic loss of organ function in most organs, including bone marrow, heart, intestine, kidney, liver, lung, and skin, is associated with fibrosis, contributing to an estimated one third of natural deaths worldwide.

What organ does cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. This causes lung infections and problems with digesting food.

Which three body systems seem most affected by cystic fibrosis?

Adults with cystic fibrosis experience health problems affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems.

How Cystic Fibrosis Affects the Lungs

What is one of the first signs of cystic fibrosis?

Symptoms of CF

Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm. Frequent lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis. Wheezing or shortness of breath. Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a good appetite.

What is the most serious 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.

Does cystic fibrosis affect the brain?

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.

Can cystic fibrosis lead to organ failure?

For many individuals with CF, symptoms manifest early in life, with certain signs appearing in utero. Additionally, certain organ damage, including: lungs, liver, or pancreas, can occur before symptoms. As individuals with CF age, complications from CF extend beyond lung disease.

What does cystic fibrosis cause in the body?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which the lungs and digestive system can become clogged with thick, sticky mucus. It can cause problems with breathing and digestion from a young age. Over many years, the lungs become increasingly damaged and may eventually stop working properly.

Does cystic fibrosis affect the liver?

Hepatobiliary complications of cystic fibrosis are increasingly recognized. Liver disease is now the third leading cause of death among people with CF. There is a wide spectrum of liver disease among people with CF, ranging from steatosis and neonatal cholestasis to cholelithiasis and multilobular cirrhosis.

What is the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis?

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.

Why can't cystic fibrosis patients touch each other?

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 are two known complications 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.

Does CF affect kidneys?

Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) linked to higher levels of uric acid and fats in the blood, a study has found. These manifestations seem to be particularly severe in patients who receive a lung transplant.

What is the most common cause of death in cystic fibrosis?

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.

Is cystic fibrosis a terminal illness?

In the past, cystic fibrosis was considered to be a fatal illness. People who had it died in childhood. This is no longer true. Today, most children who have CF grow up to be adults with CF.

Who is most at risk for cystic fibrosis?

The greatest risk factor for cystic fibrosis is a family history of the disease, especially if either parent is a known carrier. The gene that causes cystic fibrosis is recessive. This means that in order to have cystic fibrosis, children must inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent.

Does cystic fibrosis affect intelligence?

These thick secretions also obstruct the pancreas, preventing digestive enzymes from reaching the intestines to help break down and absorb food. Cystic fibrosis does not affect intelligence.

Does CF cause mental health issues?

People with chronic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, are at greater risk for developing clinical depression. When left untreated, depression can interfere with your ability to manage your CF effectively and experience a better quality of life.

Is living with cystic fibrosis hard?

Living with cystic fibrosis (CF) can be challenging, but it doesn't have to stop you from going to school, having a family or getting a job. Find out how Cystic Fibrosis Trust can support you to achieve all that and more.

What is the oldest CF patient?

The oldest person in the United States diagnosed with CF for the first time was 82. Those who are not diagnosed with CF until later in life generally suffer from colds, sinus infections, pneumonia, stomach pains, and acid reflux. They may also have trouble gaining or keeping on weight.

At what age do you get cystic fibrosis?

Most children with CF are diagnosed by the time they're 2 years old. But someone with a mild form may not be diagnosed until they're a teen.

At what age do cystic fibrosis symptoms start?

The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis generally begin to occur around 6-8 months after birth, though this can differ significantly from person to person. Symptoms tend to differ depending on age and can affect various areas of the body.

What can be mistaken for cystic fibrosis?