Most people who have cystic fibrosis have symptoms. Symptoms depend on which organs are affected and how severe the condition is. Some people have few or no symptoms, while others experience severe symptoms or life-threatening complications. Symptoms can get better or worse at different times.
People who are carriers may also have symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Usually, the symptoms are milder than with cystic fibrosis. Many people who are carriers do not have symptoms.
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis most often affects the lungs. Some people who have cystic fibrosis have wheezing and a cough that can produce
mucus
mucus
(MYOO-kus):
A clear, thick secretion made by the membranes that line some organs of the body, including the nose, mouth, throat, and vagina.
or blood. Learn more about how the lungs work.
Other symptoms depend on the organs affected and can include:
- Blocked intestine in a baby soon after birth
Clubbing
Clubbing
(KLUB-ing):
Changes in the areas under and around the toenails and fingernails that may occur due to heart and lung diseases that reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood. Symptoms include softening of the nail bed, changing of the angle of the nail, bulging of the last part of the finger, and downward curvation of the nail.
of fingers and toes due to less oxygen reaching the hands and feet
- Delayed puberty
- Fertility problems, especially for males
- Fever, which may include night sweats
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe belly pain, chronic (long-term) diarrhea, or constipation
- Infections of
sinuses
sinus
(SY-nus):
A space or channel in the body. This term often refers to the spaces in the bones of the skull. It may also mean channels for blood. Sinuses are also in the heart, brain, kidney, and other organs.
and lungs
Jaundice
Jaundice
(JAWN-dis):
A condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the body. It causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to become yellow and the urine to darken. Jaundice may occur when the liver is not working properly or when a bile duct is blocked.
, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, for an abnormally long time after birth
- Low
body mass index
body mass index
(NULL):
A measure of weight relative to height that is an indicator of total body fat and related health risks.
(BMI) or being underweight
- Muscle and joint pain
- Pancreatitis (
inflammation
inflammation
(IN-fluh-MAY-shun):
A reaction to injury of the body. The signs of inflammation are swelling, redness, or pain.
of the pancreas)
- Salty skin and extra-salty sweat
- Slow growth and shorter height
When to call the doctor
Cystic fibrosis may have serious complications. Call your doctor right away if you believe you have any of the following:
- Pulmonary
exacerbation
exacerbation
(eg-ZAS-er-BAY-shun):
An increase in how severe a disease is, or its signs and symptoms.
involves a worsening of lung symptoms, such as more coughing or wheezing, chest congestion, and a change in mucus color. You may also have weight loss, a poor appetite, or fever.
- Coughing or spitting up blood may be a sign that an artery has broken and is bleeding into the airway.
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain may be a sign of a pneumothorax, or collapsed lung.
When to call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1 for help if you suddenly have trouble breathing or talking, you feel confused, or your family or caregivers notice a bluish color on your skin or lips. These are signs of respiratory failure.
Also call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital if you start coughing up a lot of blood. If you are coughing up a small amount of blood, call your doctor.
FACT SHEET
Lung Health Basics
Learn about the lungs and some general lung terms.
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