Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands.It affects mostly your lungs,pancreas,liver,intestines,sinuses and sex organs.

Symptoms in newborns may include:

Delayed growthDelayed growth

Failure to gain weight normally during childhood

No bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life

Salty-tasting skin

Symptoms related to bowel function may include:

Belly pain from severe constipation

Increased gas,bloating,or a belly that appears swollen (distended)

Nausea and loss of appetite

Stools that are pale or clay coloredStools that are pale or clay colored,foul smelling,have mucus,or that float

Weight loss

Symptoms related to the lungs and sinuses may include:

Coughing or increased mucus in the sinuses or lungs

FatigueFatigue

Nasal congestion caused by nasal polyps

Recurrent episodes of pneumoniapneumonia.Symptoms in someone with cystic fibrosis include:

Fever

Increased coughing

Increased shortness of breath

Loss of appetite

More sputum

Sinus pain or pressure caused by infection or polyps

Cystic fibrosis (CF) has no cure.The goals of CF treatment are to:

Prevent and control lung infections

Loosen and remove thick,sticky mucus from the lungs

Prevent or treat blockages in the intestines

Provide enough nutrition

Prevent dehydration (a condition in which the body doesn't have enough fluids)

Treatment for lung problems includes:

Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections.They may be taken by mouth,or given in the veins or by breathing treatments.People with cystic fibrosis may take antibiotics only when needed,or all the time.Doses are usually higher than normal.

Inhaled medicines to help open the airways

DNAse enzyme replacement therapy to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up

Flu vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPVPPV) yearly (ask your health care provider)

Lung transplantLung transplant is an option in some cases

Oxygen therapy may be needed as lung disease gets worse

Treatment for bowel and nutritional problems (see:Cystic fibrosis - nutritional considerationsCystic fibrosis - nutritional considerations) may include:

A special diet high in protein and calories for older children and adults (see:Cystic fibrosis nutrional considerationsCystic fibrosis nutrional considerations)

Pancreatic enzymes to help absorb fats and protein

Vitamin supplements,especially vitamins A,D,E,and K

Your doctor can suggest other treatments if you have very hard stools

Care and monitoring at home should include:

Avoiding smoke,dust,dirt,fumes,household chemicals,fireplace smoke,and mold or mildew

Clearing or bringing up mucus or secretions from the airways.This must be done one to fours times each day.Patients,families,and caregivers must learn about doing chest percussion and postural drainage to help keep the airways clear

Drinking plenty of fluids.This is particularly true for infants,children,in hot weather,when there is diarrhea or loose stools,or during extra physical activity

Exercising two or three times each week.Swimming,jogging,and cycling are good options.Avoid contact sports,scuba diving,and endurance activities such as marathons