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    Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System

    How does cystic fibrosis affect the respiratory system?

    Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. It causes problems in the body's cells that make salt, water, and mucus. There is no cure for CF. It is a disease that gets worse over time. But better treatments can now help people with CF live longer and healthier lives. Most people with CF live into their late 30s, and many may live into their 50s or longer.

    CF causes thick mucus to build up and clog certain parts of the body, such as the lungs. The buildup is caused by an abnormal gene called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). CFTR controls the flow of water and salt in and out of the body's cells. Changes cause mucus to become thickened and sticky. This first affects the small airways in the lungs. Over time, it can affect all airways.

    Children with CF may have lung infections. This is because bacteria that are normally cleared from the lungs stay in the thickened mucus. Many of these lung infections are long-term (chronic).

    Children with CF also can have problems in their upper respiratory tract. They can have nasal polyps. These are small growths of tissue from the lining of the nose. They go into the air-filled space above and behind the nose (nasal cavity). Nasal polyps are not cancerous, but they can cause sinus problems. Sometimes these polyps must be taken out by a healthcare provider. Children with CF also often have sinus infections.

    CF affects the respiratory system. So a child with CF may have these symptoms:

    • Chronic cough

    • Coughing up blood

    • Collapsed lung

    • A rounding and enlargement of the tips of the fingers and toes (clubbing)

    • Frequent lung infections with thick phlegm

    • Heart enlargement

    • Nasal polyps

    • Shortness of breath

    • Inflamed nasal sinuses (sinusitis)

    Online Medical Reviewer: Chris Southard RN
    Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
    Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
    Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
    © 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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    Southern New Mexico
    Surgery Center

    2301 Indian Wells Rd. Suite B
    Alamogordo, NM 88310
    www.snmsc.org

    Phone: 575.437.0890
    Fax: 575.437.0905
    Email: info@snmsc.org

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