Cystic fibrosis is a disease of the secretory gland and it has a tendency to run in the family. This disease can also skip generations as a result of which, even if the parent do not have the disease but their grandparent have the condition, they may pass it on to their grand children.  Since secretary glands are well distributed in the body, the condition can move on to any phase including that of the lungs, liver, intestines, sinuses and reproductive organs.

Causes of Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that is caused due to a defect in the CFTR gene. The main function of the gene is to produce proteins that control the movement of salts and water in the body; by marking the amount that will be excreted out. Once people start suffering from Cystic fibrosis, the genes produce proteins that are not able to perform this function normally. As a result of this, the patient tends to suffer from thick, sticky mucous and extremely salty sweat glands.

Signs and symptoms of Cystic fibrosis

The external and internal picture of this disease can vary within patients.  The earliest sign of Cystic fibrosis is that the baby’s skin may be salty which parents can realize by kissing.  The rest of the signs and symptoms tend to appear with age.

• Respiratory symptom- People with Cystic fibrosis tend to have thick, sticky mucous that obstructs their airways.  This build up of mucous provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria to develop as the place is warm and moist.

• Digestive symptoms- The mucus that blocks the tubes and ducts of pancreas can lead to digestive disorders such as diarrhea with foul smelling stool. Some may experience constipation while others may have rectal collapse.

• Reproductive- Some women can be infertile due to Cystic fibrosis.

• Extremely salty sweat

• Decreased bone density

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