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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staff
Many different types of complications can occur with cystic fibrosis. The most common complications affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.
Respiratory system complications
- Bronchiectasis. Cystic fibrosis is one of the leading causes of bronchiectasis, a condition in which damaged airways widen and become flabby and scarred.
- Chronic infections. Thick mucus in the lungs and sinuses provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Most people with cystic fibrosis have almost constant infections in their lungs and sinuses.
- Collapsed lung. Repeated lung infections damage the lungs, making it more likely for the lung to collapse.
- Nasal polyps. Because the lining inside the nose is inflamed and swollen, it's more likely to develop large or multiple polyps — soft, fleshy growths inside your nose.
- Respiratory failure. Over time, cystic fibrosis can damage lung tissue so badly that it won't work anymore. Lung function typically worsens gradually, and it eventually can become life-threatening.
Digestive system complications
- Nutritional deficiencies. Thick mucus blocks the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your intestines. Without these enzymes, your body can't absorb protein, fats or the fat-soluble vitamins — A, D, E and K.
- Diabetes. The pancreas also produces insulin, which your body needs to use sugar. Cystic fibrosis increases your risk of developing diabetes.
- Blocked bile duct. The tube that carries bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestine may become blocked and inflamed, leading to liver problems, such as cirrhosis, and sometimes gallstones.
- Rectal prolapse. Frequent coughing or straining during constipation can cause internal rectal tissue to protrude outside the anus, particularly in infants.
- Intussusception. Children with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of intussusception, a condition in which a section of the intestines folds in on itself like an accordion. This results in bowel obstruction, an emergency condition.
Reproductive system complications
Many men with cystic fibrosis are infertile because the tube that connects the testes and prostate gland (vas deferens) is either blocked with mucus or missing entirely. Certain fertility treatments and surgical procedures sometimes make it possible for men with cystic fibrosis to become fathers.
Although women with cystic fibrosis may be less fertile than other women, it's possible for them to conceive and to have successful pregnancies. Still, pregnancy can worsen the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis, so be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor.
Other complications
- Osteoporosis. People with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a dangerous thinning of bones. This may be linked to the body's inability to absorb vitamin D, which helps build strong bones.
- Electrolyte imbalances. Because people with cystic fibrosis have saltier sweat, this can upset the balance of minerals in their blood. Symptoms include increased heart rate, fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure.
- What is cystic fibrosis? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_all.html. Accessed Dec. 9, 2009.
- Welsh MJ. Cystic fibrosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/175336803-3/0/1492/366.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50094-X_3680. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Boat TF, et al. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/175336803-3/0/1608/945.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50402-3--cesec14_7740. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Katkin JP. Cystic fibrosis: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/hme/index.html. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- Cystic fibrosis. Genetics Home Reference. National Institutes of Health. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=cysticfibrosis. Accessed Dec. 11, 2009.
- What is bronchiectasis? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/brn/brn_whatis.html. Accessed Jan. 4, 2010.
- Simon RH. Cystic fibrosis: Overview of the treatment of lung disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- An introduction to postural drainage and percussion. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. http://www.cff.org/UploadedFiles/treatments/Therapies/Respiratory/PosturalDrainage/An%20Introduction%20to%20Postural%20Drainage%20and%20Percussion%201-2006.pdf. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- Airway clearance techniques. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. http://www.cff.org/treatments/Therapies/Respiratory/AirwayClearance/. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- Baker RD, et al. Cystic fibrosis: Nutritional issues. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
- Wenstrom KD. Cystic fibrosis: Prenatal genetic screening. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 14, 2009.
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