What are the effects of cystic fibrosis
respiratory and digestive issues
skin disorders
skin disorders
absence of pigment
absence of pigment
circulatory and cardiovascular diseases
- Respiratory issues: Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the lungs, causing thick, sticky mucus to build up in the airways. This can lead to frequent lung infections, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, and decreased lung function.
- Digestive issues: The thick mucus can also block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine, leading to problems with digestion and nutrient absorption. Individuals with cystic fibrosis often have difficulties digesting fats and proteins, resulting in malnutrition, poor growth in children, frequent greasy stools, abdominal pain, and nutritional deficiencies.
- Skin disorders: Cystic fibrosis can cause various skin problems. Individuals may experience excessive sweating, salty-tasting skin, dry or itchy skin, and an increased risk of developing skin infections.
- Absence of pigment: Cystic fibrosis can affect the production and distribution of melanin, the pigment responsible for color in the skin, hair, and eyes. This can result in a lighter or fairer complexion than usual.
- Circulatory and cardiovascular diseases: Cystic fibrosis can lead to complications that affect the circulatory and cardiovascular systems. These can include high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension), heart problems, increased risk of blood clots, and weakened blood vessel walls. These issues can contribute to serious medical conditions such as heart failure and stroke.