Serious Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Poor Weight Gain

Poor weight gain is a characteristic symptom that occurs in cystic fibrosis patients. The abnormal protein that does not regulate salt movement into and out of the cells causes the mucus in the small intestine and pancreatic duct to become thick and sticky. This mucus can block the duct where essential digestive enzymes enter the small intestine so they can perform their critical functions in digestion. When these enzymes do not make it to the small intestine, they cannot perform the vital function of absorbing important nutrients the body requires for all of its organ systems to function correctly. This malfunction means the affected individual has malabsorption of fats, proteins, and less commonly, carbohydrates. The inability to absorb fats results in deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrient deficiencies and poor calorie absorption both result in poor weight gain as the individual grows. Between ninety and ninety-five percent of individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis experience failure to thrive with digestive symptoms and pancreatic enzyme deficiency early on in their life. Older children and adults affected by cystic fibrosis may present with anorexia.

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Severe Constipation

Some individuals who have cystic fibrosis may present with severe constipation as a manifestation of their disease. This symptom occurs most commonly in cystic fibrosis patients in their late childhood or early adulthood. The thick sticky mucus produced in these individuals can clog up the ducts that deliver digestive enzymes to the small intestine. Without these digestive enzymes, the affected individual experiences malabsorption of proteins, fats, and sometimes, carbohydrates. When these components stay in the digested food as it moves through the intestines, it often gets stuck and moves too slowly. This malfunction results in the large intestine absorbing too much fluid out of the digested food, causing the patient's stools to become abnormally hard and difficult to pass from the body. Individuals affected by this symptom may strain to the point of rectal prolapse or a painful condition where part of the rectum protrudes out of the anus. Another presentation of severe constipation is through the complication of distal intestinal obstruction or a partial or complete blockage in the area where the small intestine meets the large intestine.

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