{"id":2721,"date":"2019-01-21T08:42:53","date_gmt":"2019-01-21T08:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2721"},"modified":"2021-05-24T17:24:46","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T17:24:46","slug":"12-cystic-fibrosis-symptoms-in-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-cystic-fibrosis-symptoms-in-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms in Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder affecting the digestive system and lungs. The disease affects cells producing digestive acids, sweat, and mucus. In healthy individuals, mucus is typically thin. However, individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis find their mucus sticky and thick. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The role of mucus in the body is to provide lubrication for the airways, protecting the lungs from irritants, such as cigarette smoke. However, individuals with the disease find that their mucus blocks up airways in the lungs, causing coughing and impaired breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, medical science has a variety of treatments to improve the quality of life for people suffering from CS. It\u2019s possible for people affected by the disease to attend work and social functions without worrying about their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The advances in medical science mean that people suffering from the condition now have the opportunity to live well into their forties and fifties. If you\u2019re concerned that you or a family member may have cystic fibrosis, look out for these eight symptoms.
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1.    Thick Mucus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cystic fibrosis<\/a> affects the way your body produces mucus. In healthy individuals, mucus is typically clear and sometimes yellow or greenish in color if you fall ill with the flu or bronchitis. However, mucus in CS patients is thicker and tainted with dark green or brownish particles. Patients of CS describe their condition as feeling if they are slowly drowning in their mucus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thick mucus clogs up the airways. The buildup of mucus comes from an abnormal gene named the \u201cCFTR,\u201d cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. CTFR is responsible for maintaining the balance of water and salt throughout cells in the body. The thickening of mucus blocks up the small airways in the lungs and eventually spreads to the entire organ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common respiratory symptoms of CS include a feeling of breathlessness, wheezing, a persistent cough that produces thick mucus, inflamed sinus, and repetitive lung infections. The lack of air into the lungs leads to exercise intolerance as well.
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2.    Damaged Airways <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bronchiectasis <\/a>is the term for a condition affecting the bronchial tubes of the lungs. Unfortunately, it\u2019s a permanent condition that leads to the widening, and thickening of the air passages in your lungs. The wider passageways allow mucus and bacteria to settle in the lungs, resulting in blockages of the airways and bacterial infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science has no cure for this chronic condition, and individuals require treatment to live a symptom-free lifestyle. Flare-ups need treatment with oxygen to reduce the symptoms and prevent further damage to the lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cystic Fibrosis is one of the contributing factors to developing this condition. If you find that you\u2019re having trouble breathing, it may be because of bronchiectasis. Visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Your physician will check your lungs, and take a blood sample to determine signs of anemia and infection, as well as a sputum sample to look for bacteria or fungi.
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3.    Chronic Lung Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CLF is the primary cause of death in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. The thickened mucus provides an ideal Petri dish for the development of bacteria and other pathogens. As a result, it\u2019s common for people suffering from the condition to experience frequent bouts of sinusitis<\/a>, bronchitis or pneumonia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies in life expectancy for individuals suffering from CS has decreased over the years as medical practitioners introduce new treatment methods to extend longevity. A few decades ago, it was common for CS patients to reach a life expectancy of 30-years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recent advances in treatment now allow some patients to enjoy a full life, with some adults reaching ages of 75-years old before succumbing to the condition. Recent statistics show annual mortality rates for individuals between the ages of 26 and 30-years at 50 per 1,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the advancement of treatment methods, chronic lung infections remain the leading cause of death for people suffering from cystic fibrosis.
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4.    Nasal Polyps and Coughing Up Blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The thickening of mucus affects the sinus as well. It\u2019s common for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis to develop frequent bouts of sinusitis. Consistent flare-ups in the sinus lead to the growth of nasal polyps<\/a>. These polyps are soft, non-cancerous, and painless growths that occur in the lining of your nasal passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyps hang down like grapes or teardrops and require medication to reduce the swelling. In some cases, large polyps may not decrease in size, even with the use of drugs. Persistent polyps require removal through surgery. Patients may not notice small polyps, but large ones can interfere with breathing through the nasal passages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, cystic fibrosis causes thinning of the walls of the airways. Violent coughing damages the tubes and results in patients coughing up specks of blood along with the mucus. If you notice blood in your sputum, contact your doctor immediately for an assessment of the situation.
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5.    Pneumothorax and Respiratory Failure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When a lung collapses, it\u2019s called pneumothorax<\/a>. This condition occurs when air leaks from your lungs into the space between your ribs and lung. The air places pressure on the exterior of the lung, pushing it inwards, inevitably resulting in the collapse of the organ. Most pneumothorax cases deal with partial lung collapse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of the condition include shortness of breath and sudden chest pain. In some cases, if medical treatment is too late, it can turn into a life-threatening situation. While a small pneumothorax will heal on its own, a significant collapse requires the insertion of a tube into the collapsed area to relieve the pressure on the lung and allow it to inflate properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some chronic cases, cystic fibrosis damages the lungs so severely that it leads to respiratory failure, where the lungs are unable to transport oxygen to the blood. This condition is life-threatening and can result in death if not treated immediately by a medical professional. People at this stage of the disorder may require the use of oxygen throughout the day.
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6.    Digestive Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cystic Fibrosis not only affects the lungs; it has a detrimental effect on the health of other organs as well. The thickened mucus blocks the tubes carrying digestive juices from the pancreas to the intestines. Since the digestive system no longer has the enzymes <\/a>it needs for efficient digestion, the body can\u2019t absorb all of the nutritional benefits of the food they consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the body experiences several nutritional deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals required for optimal metabolic function. This lack of adequate nutrition produces foul stools and intestinal blockages. Other symptoms of poor digestion include an inability to gain weight, frequent gastrointestinal pains, and severe bouts of constipation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Constipated individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis frequently strain when passing stools. This action results at the end of the large intestine protruding from the anus, also known as rectal prolapse. Individuals experiencing this condition may need surgery to fix the prolapse.
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7.    Reproductive System Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The respiratory and digestive system presents the most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis. However, the condition affects the reproductive system as well. Nearly all men with cystic fibrosis are infertile<\/a>, due to a blockage of the tube that connects the prostate gland and the testes. In some cases of men born with the condition, their body fails to develop the connection at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition, many individuals choose not to have children due to the fact they may pass on the disorder to their kids. Some decide to adopt instead and still manage to raise a happy family. However, there are treatments available that include surgery to enable men with cystic fibrosis to father children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women suffering from the condition may be less fertile than their healthy peers. However, it\u2019s entirely possible for them to conceive. However, pregnancy may exacerbate the symptoms of the condition and it’s vital that all women consult with their doctor before planning a pregnancy.
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8.    Thinning of the Bones <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Osteoporosis describes a condition that thins the bones, stripping minerals and inhibiting new collagen <\/a>production that leads to the formation of new skeletal tissue. Individuals living with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis due to an imbalance of minerals in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since patients with cystic fibrosis have saltier sweat than other people, they experience mineral and electrolyte imbalances that affect skeletal health. Signs and symptoms of osteoporosis typically show up in the lower back first. If you find that you have a stiff and sore lower back in the morning \u2013 it might not be because you need a new bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Osteoporosis affects the mobility and resilience of the skeletal system, especially during movement. If you find you have stiff and sore joints for more than a few days, speak to your medical practitioner. Your doctor will run tests to determine if you’re dealing with osteoporosis, and offer treatment to help reduce the symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Excessive Sweating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the lesser recognized signs of cystic fibrosis in adults is excessive sweating<\/a>. When individuals sweat excessively without any underlying medical reason, it\u2019s called, \u201cprimary hyperhidrosis.\u201d However, when people sweat profusely due to a condition, such as cystic fibrosis, it\u2019s called, \u201csecondary hyperhidrosis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with cystic fibrosis may find it hard to catch their breath, especially after exertion. As a result, the body begins to perspire excessively to relieve the heat. CFTR is responsible for the flow of salts, minerals, and water in the body. Disruption in this sensitive process results in mucus thickening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thickening of mucus can affect any part of the body and must be brought under control using medication. When the disorder affects the lymph glands, it causes the body to begin to sweat excessively.
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10. Pancreatitis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pancreas is a large organ positioned behind the stomach. This organ has two primary responsibilities. First, it regulates the production of insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Secondly, the pancreas produces digestive enzymes that assist with the breakdown of food in the small intestine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pancreatitis <\/a>is an inflammatory disease that activates digestive enzymes before their release into the GI tract. As a result, the enzymes start to attack healthy cells in the pancreas, creating massive amounts of inflammation.
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Symptoms of pancreatitis include pain emanating from the stomach and mid-back, as well as a fever. There are two forms of pancreatitis: chronic and acute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acute pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas experiences a sudden bout of inflammation over a short period. Severe pancreatitis can damage other organs, such as the heart and lungs. The swollen organ presses down on the lungs, causing symptoms of coughing associated with cystic fibrosis in adults.
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11. Malnutrition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This term refers to receiving too little or too much of a specific nutrient. Malnutrition <\/a>is a serious health issue, and if not treated with a nutritious, healthy diet, affected individuals may develop a wide range of diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we don\u2019t receive the calories and nutrient s we need to maintain healthy metabolic function, the first place to experience disruption, id the digestive system. The GI tract contains trillions of live bacteria called biomes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These biomes assimilate the nutrition from your food. However, in a depleted state, these biomes no longer have the capacity to draw the right nutrients from your meals, leaving you’re deficient in certain minerals and vitamins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with cystic fibrosis may choose to refrain from eating at certain stages of the disease. Unfortunately, this behavior only exacerbates their condition as it depletes vital nutrients from their system, right when they need them the most.
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12. Exercise Intolerance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to their inability to breath correctly, teenagers and adults with cystic fibrosis experience extreme difficulty participating in sports,  Athletes, and sportspeople require robust cardiovascular systems and healthy lungs to transport oxygenated blood around their body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, people who are suffering from cystic fibrosis experience the steady buildup of thick mucus in their lungs. This mucus forces them to cough <\/a>when they place their body under exertion. The patient feels like a wad of phlegm is developing in their lungs, forcing them to gargle and cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, many people with cystic fibrosis choose to live a sedentary lifestyle, void of any physical activity that may cause the onset of a coughing fit. However, getting out into the fresh air has tremendous benefits for people with cystic fibrosis. Those individuals living near the ocean will benefit from the exasperating effect of the salt air if they choose to take a swim in the sea.
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