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Medical Problems Caused by Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis symptoms are caused by heavy, thick, mucus. They include frequent coughing that brings up thick discolored mucus and frequent bouts of chest congestion and frequent pneumonia. The skin may taste salty to when the child is kissed and dehydration. The stools of a cystic fibrosis patient are thick, greasy, and smell foul. The patient may be eating well and have a good appetite but fails to gain weight and thrive. Stomach pain, bloating and excessive gas is caused by too much gas in the intestines and is painful.

There are other medical problems caused by cystic fibrosis. Infertility in men is often caused by cystic fibrosis. Sinusitis is caused by the space behind your eyes, nose, and forehead being blocked by thick mucus. They become infected and cause sinusitis when the lining of the sinuses becomes blocked. Sinusitis is common in patients with cystic fibrosis. Nasal polyps may develop in the sinuses and require surgery to remove.

Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs and bronchial tubes. These are the large airways in your lungs. Bronchiectasis is a lung disease that causes these airways to become stretched and flabby. They produce pockets where mucus collects. These pockets are a breeding ground for bacteria and infection causes more damage to the bronchial tubes. This can lead to bronchial infections and serious illness including respiratory failure.

Your pancreas is another part of the body that cystic fibrosis affects. Severe inflammation of the pancreas causes extreme pain. Intestinal blockage is another problem a CF patient may face, especially a newborn baby.

If your lungs are not moving enough oxygen through the body clubbing can be a result. Clubbing is the widening and thickening of the toes and fingers. Clubbing is a definitive sign of cystic fibrosis.

Other serious illnesses and complications include liver disease, diabetes, gallstones, collapsed lungs, and rectal prolapse. Coughing and the body having problems passing stools cause rectal prolapse. This pushes the rectal tissue outside of the body.

Another serious illness you may have because of cystic fibrosis is low bone density. Your body does not get enough Vitamin D and can cause rickets. Your doctor may recommend Vitamin D supplements to prevent low bone density.

If you see any signs or symptoms of cystic fibrosis you should contact your doctor immediately. Frequent cough, repeated bouts of pneumonia and bronchitis, dehydration, diarrhea, stomach pain and excessive gas are symptoms of cystic fibrosis. If your child is eating normally but fails to strive, they should be checked for a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. Kiss your child somewhere on his or her skin. If the kiss tastes salty that is another sign your child should see a medical professional.