Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, and other organs. The four primary symptoms of cystic fibrosis are:
1. Respiratory Issues: People with cystic fibrosis often experience persistent coughing, frequent chest infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. They may also experience an increase in mucus production, which can lead to recurrent sinus infections, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.
2. Digestive Problems: Those with cystic fibrosis can experience difficulty in digesting food, leading to malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies. This can cause frequent bouts of diarrhea, greasy stools, and abdominal pain.
3. Persistent Coughing: People with cystic fibrosis often experience a persistent, dry cough that can be accompanied by mucus. This symptom is often worse at night, and can lead to sleep disturbances.
4. Poor Growth: Children with cystic fibrosis often experience poor growth and slow weight gain due to malabsorption and other digestive issues. They may also have difficulty gaining muscle mass. Other signs of poor growth include delayed onset of puberty and delayed physical development.