Cystic fibrosis is a disease in which the lungs collapse with thick, sticky mucus, as well as the digestive tract and other areas of the body. It can be said that it is one of the most common chronic lung diseases, both in children and adults, and is classified as having a high risk of death.
As we have already said, it is a type of disease that affects the pancreas, lungs, intestines, livers, paranasal sinuses and sexual organs. Cystic fibrosis causes the mucosa to be thick and sticky. Mucus clogs the lungs and this causes recurring lung infections and lung damage.
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis
The symptoms with which cystic fibrosis occurs can manifest throughout a human being’s life. A few symptoms can worsen until they reach maximum severity. Of course, each individual can vary their symptoms as well as the strength of the disease, but the most common are:
- Symptoms in newborns: growth retardation.
- Symptoms related to the lungs and sinuses: fatigue, nasal congestion, cough, increased mucus, episodes of pneumonia and sinus pain.
- Symptoms in intestinal function: abdominal area swollen by gas, pain caused by constipation, pale or clay-colored stools with mucus and weight loss.
- Later symptoms: inflammation of the pancreas, respiratory symptoms and malformation of the fingers and sterility in men.
Main causes
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene that causes the body to produce a thick, sticky fluid. This mucous substance blocks the airways of the lungs and pancreas and begins to cause infections.
This problem can cause very serious lung infections and acute digestive problems. Sweat glands and the male reproductive system are other areas that can be affected.
There are also individuals who carry the gene but in whom no symptoms appear. This is explained in such a way that a person with this type of disease must inherit two defective genes. So if you only have one, this disease will not manifest itself. Above all, it occurs more frequently in descendants of central and northern Europeans.
