Cystic Fribrosis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition in which cells that produce sweat, saliva, digestive juices and mucus are defective. These cells become thick and sticky, and plug passageways in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening condition.

Newborn Symptoms

• Symptoms of cystic fibrosis in newborns include a failure to grow, frequent respiratory infections, blocked intestines and greasy stools.

Child & Adult Symptoms

• Symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children and young adults include blocked bowels, delayed growth, coughing, frequent chest infection, and clubbed fingertips or toes.

Other Symptoms

• Other symptoms of cystic fibrosis include cirrhosis of the liver, polyps in the nasal passages and intestines which have moved into another part of the intestines.

Sweat Test

• Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed with a sweat test, in which a sweat-producing chemical and an electrode are placed on a patient's arm or leg. Sweat is collected and analyzed for high salt content, which indicates cystic fibrosis.

Other Tests

• Other methods used for diagnosing cystic fibrosis include genetic blood tests, testing of family members and tests to measure liver, pancreas and lung function.

Treatment

• Treatment options for cystic fibrosis include antibiotics, pain medicine, medicine to thin and remove mucus and lung transplantation.