Symptoms of cystic fibrosis

Symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis

The secretion of the following glands or glandular parts of the following organs is in one Cystic fibrosis disturbed:

  • lung
  • pancreas
  • Biliary tract
  • Sweat glands
  • Genital organs

In cystic fibrosis, symptoms such as breathing problems arise because the lungs become mucous and the small airways (alveoli, bronchioles, etc.) are blocked and the cilia do not manage to transport the mucus and the inhaled foreign particles outside as usual.

The severity of the symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. Symptoms such as to coughwho at whooping cough remembered, and also lung infection or Bronchtitis are common. In particular, infection with a bacterial strain that Pseudomonas means very often. These bacteria call complicated pneumonia (pneumonia). In the worst cases, lung function can be restricted to such an extent that the breathing of the patient is no longer sufficient and the need for intubation (artificial Ventilation) consists. These patients are therefore artificially ventilated. If they can no longer be weaned as a result of ventilation, a Lung transplant offer the last chance.

Also the pancreas is affected in cystic fibrosis. The way to the outside is also blocked by the tough slime. So the enzymes that are important for digestion do not get into the intestines. Not only is the fact that the enzyme juices cannot drain away, but the backwater can also be dangerous. In the most extreme case, the aggressive pancreatic juices cause one Self-draining of the gland. Because the pancreas, among other things, too insulin is produced in many cystic fibrosis patients Diabetes mellitus in front.

They also occur with the symptoms of cystic fibrosis chronic diarrhea up and the nutrient uptake is insufficient due to the lack of digestive juices.

It often arises Deficiency Syndrome on Vitamins and other nutrients. This deficiency suggests booking especially with children. The little ones cannot develop properly and age-appropriately. They are therefore of hers, for example anatomy often compared to a child as an adult. The habitus (body structure) is reminiscent of a child. This lagging behind is a very typical symptom by which outsiders can guess the disease.

Also the Bile ducts are obstructed by the viscous secretion in cystic fibrosis, so that the bile cannot drain off to take over its function in digestion.

Bile ducts and the excretory duct of the pancreas flow into a common duct, the so-called Common bile duct. This in turn ends in the duodenum, the med. Duodenum.
This explains the involvement of in cystic fibrosis liver and pancreas.
If the secretions cannot drain off, they back up and organ damage develops. About ten percent of adults develop one Cirrhosis of the liver.

The Sweat glands exude very salty sweat. In contrast to healthy people, where the sweat mainly consists of water. This leads to a high loss of electrolytes (salt) and water in the patient.

The Genital organs are affected in both sexes. Most men are infertile because the vas deferens are not fully created. So they can Sperm, whose education and function is usually not impaired, make their way from the Testicles not found in the urethra. Many women are also sterile. Often because with them the Fallopian tubes are clogged with mucus plugs that the egg cannot get past.

In general, children develop more slowly and gain little and slowly weight.