The early signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis in adults can vary from person to person, but may include chronic coughing and shortness of breath, frequent lung infections, poor growth or weight gain, salty-tasting skin, problems with digestion and poor absorption of nutrients, and fatigue.
In some cases, cystic fibrosis may also cause high levels of glucose in the urine or recurring episodes of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.
In people with cystic fibrosis, persistent, recurrent chest infections and wheezing are usually the earliest signs and symptoms. Persistent coughing, often accompanied by thick mucus, is often the most common first symptom.
Although lung infections may come and go and, in some cases, be mistaken for asthma.
Other early signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis may include abdominal swelling or discomfort (caused by gas and indigestion), stools that are pale, sandy, and bulky, and frequent episodes of diarrhea.
Sweating excessively may also be an initial symptom in adults, due to unusually high levels of salt in sweat. Additionally, people with cystic fibrosis may experience poor growth or weight gain, often in spite of an otherwise normal appetite.
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Can adults get cystic fibrosis later in life?
Yes, adults can get cystic fibrosis (CF) later in life. Although cystic fibrosis is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, a diagnosis of CF can occur at any age. Late-onset CF is when a person is at least 18 years of age when diagnosed.
It is slightly more common in adults than children, because the symptoms often take longer to become noticeable. Common symptoms of adult onset cystic fibrosis can include: chronic coughing, thick and sticky mucus in the lungs, poor growth, recurrent chest infections, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Diagnosing cystic fibrosis in later life can be challenging as the classic respiratory, digestive, and sweat test symptoms may be absent or mild. A combination of lab tests and a detailed medical history is needed to diagnose CF in adults.
Unfortunately, treatment for cystic fibrosis does not change from what is used to treat the disease in children, though medication and lifestyle changes may need to be adjusted according to age.
Can cystic fibrosis start in adulthood?
Yes, cystic fibrosis (CF) can start in adulthood. While it is typically diagnosed early in childhood, adults can still develop the condition due to various genetic mutations. In some cases, CF may even go undiagnosed for a long period of time for adults since the signs and symptoms of CF in adults can be quite different from those seen in children.
Common signs and symptoms of adult CF include recurrent lung infections, difficult or labored breathing, persistent coughing or wheezing, excessive fatigue, cirrhosis of the liver, and problems gaining or maintaining weight.
As adults, a person can also be more prone to serious complications such as diabetes, heart problems, and infertility. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, individuals should consult their health care provider right away.
It is important to note that adult-onset cystic fibrosis is often not as severe as the childhood version, but it still requires close monitoring and treatment.
Diagnosis is typically determined through several tests such as a sweat chloride test, genetic testing, a chest X-ray, and a computed tomography (CT) scan. Treatment is important for adults to help control complications and improve quality of life.
Treatment may involve medications to help control lung infections, suppress inflammation, and loosen secretions. In addition, supplemental oxygen, breathing exercises, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking may be recommended.
What are the symptoms of late onset cystic fibrosis?
Late onset cystic fibrosis (LOCF) is a rare form of cystic fibrosis (CF) in which the signs and symptoms of CF emerge later in life, typically after age 18. Symptoms vary, depending on a person’s age at diagnosis and the progression of the disease, but commonly involve digestive issues and respiratory problems.
Digestive troubles can include pain or bloating after meals, frequent greasy bowel movements, excessive gas, foul-smelling stools, and nutrient malabsorption that can lead to weight loss or failure to grow normally in children.
Common respiratory symptoms include chronic wet or productive coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, recurrent pneumonia and excessive mucus production. Patients may also have a dry cough. Lung function tests typically show more airway obstruction than expected based on a person’s age and level of activity.
Other possible symptoms of late onset CF include sinus infections, nasal polyps, clubbing of the fingernails, nasal congestion and shortness of breath.
As LOCF is an uncommon disorder, symptoms often go undiagnosed for an extended period of time. It is important for individuals to seek medical help if they experience any of the above symptoms in order to receive treatment and help manage their condition.
What are 3 major symptoms of CF?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, genetic disorder that affects a person’s ability to breathe, digest food, and absorb vital nutrients. The three major symptoms of CF include:
1. Respiratory issues such as persistent coughing, persistent chest congestion, frequent lung infections, and difficulty breathing;
2. Digestive issues such as poor absorption of nutrients, greasy stools, frequent constipation/diarrhea, and poor weight gain;
3. Infertility, due to the sperm not being able to travel through the thick mucus in the reproductive system to fertilize the egg.
Other common symptoms of CF include: Chronic fatigue, salty skin, joint aches, night sweats, and fever. Along with the physical symptoms, many people with CF often experience mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety due to the complexity of managing their disorder and the complications it can cause.
Can you live with undiagnosed cystic fibrosis?
Yes, it is possible to live with undiagnosed cystic fibrosis. People who live with the condition can often go years before having it properly identified and treated. Signs and symptoms can often be easily mistaken for other illnesses, so it’s important to get checked regularly by a healthcare professional if you experience any of the signs and symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, salty-tasting skin, frequent lung and sinus infections, malnutrition, and difficulty gaining weight. Treatment for cystic fibrosis may include inhaled medications, antibiotics, and physical therapy.
With proper care and monitoring, it is possible to live with the condition and have a long, healthy life.
What happens if CF is left untreated?
If Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CF) is left untreated, it can lead to serious ongoing health issues, both physical and psychological. People with untreated CF may experience symptoms such as extreme tiredness, reduced mobility, decreased capacity for physical and mental activities, disruption to sleep and other daily activities, anxiety, depression, and headaches.
Long-term, untreated CF can lead to decreased muscle mass, increased risk of injury, and difficulty maintaining a healthy body weight. Furthermore, untreated CF can affect personal relationships and job performance, leading to loss of income, social isolation, and strain on personal relationships.
CF can also lead to further emotional distress as a result of the physical limitations it places upon the individual. Ultimately, if CF is left untreated, it can significantly reduce quality of life and contribute to a multitude of physical and psychological health concerns.
When should you suspect cystic fibrosis?
Suspicion of cystic fibrosis should be considered when an individual has persistent or recurrent respiratory tract infections, poor weight gain, salty skin, unusually foul-smelling and bulky stools, failure to thrive, recurrent or severe lung infections including sinusitis, pneumonia and bronchitis, and/or chronic coughing or wheezing.
In addition, some individuals may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, enlarged liver and spleen, rectal prolapse, or difficulty gaining weight or growing. Sweat tests can also be performed to check for abnormally high levels of salt, which is an indicator of cystic fibrosis.
It is important to note, however, that not all individuals with cystic fibrosis will have all of the symptoms listed above, and that symptoms can vary from person to person. If any of the above items are present and cystic fibrosis is suspected, a person should be referred to a medical professional for further evaluation and possible testing.
When can you tell if someone has cystic fibrosis?
The only definite way of determining if someone has cystic fibrosis is through a series of specialized tests, usually beginning with a sweat test. If someone has high levels of chloride and sodium in their sweat, it is usually an indication of cystic fibrosis.
Other tests used to diagnose the condition include a genetic test, pulmonary function tests, and imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan. Because the symptoms of cystic fibrosis can be similar to other diseases, further testing may be needed to properly diagnose someone with the condition.
There are also a few common signs and symptoms that can indicate cystic fibrosis, including coughing and difficulty breathing, increased saltiness of the skin, repeated lung infections, greasy stools and weight loss.
Blood tests may also be used to look for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes and white blood cell count, which can indicate cystic fibrosis. Ultimately, only full testing can determine if someone has cystic fibrosis.
What does cystic fibrosis baby poop look like?
Cystic fibrosis-affected baby poop typically has a greasy, yellowish-grayish color. It may also be frothy or foamy and have an unusually foul smell. Additionally, there may be large chunks of undigested fat in the stool, which is a result of not being able to absorb fats due to the faulty CFTR protein in those with CF.
The consistency of the stool may be soft, like clay or very loose, even watery. In cases of advanced CF, the baby poop may have a very pale color due to lack of bile production, as well as adding white, pasty streaks to the otherwise normal yellowish-gray appearance.
Babies with CF may also produce fewer and smaller bowel movements than normal.
What does a baby with CF sound like?
Babies living with cystic fibrosis can sound a lot different from other babies. Because of the thick mucus building up in the airways it can cause trouble in breathing and a rattly sound as the baby is trying to move air in and out of their lungs.
In addition, they may also have a wheezing sound or a deep, wet, mucus-filled cough. As mucus builds up, babies may have difficulty coughing up and clearing the mucus, causing a congestion in the lungs, which can further restrict movement of air and give a “bronchial” sound.
It may sound like a baby is frequently struggling to breathe and their loud noises when trying to breathe may be quite scary. As the thick mucus accumulates, the airways become smaller and the air passages can become blocked and breathing may become even more difficult, giving a distinct whistling sound.
How long does cystic fibrosis take to show up?
The age at which cystic fibrosis may appear varies widely and can be seen as soon as a few weeks after birth, or it may not become apparent until later in life. Generally, cystic fibrosis symptoms begin to appear within the first few months of life, though the severity of the symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Depending on the age of diagnosis, children who have cystic fibrosis may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing and persistent coughing, salting out of sweat, frequent lung infections and digestive issues.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for kids who have cystic fibrosis, as it can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent serious long-term complications. Early detection also helps ensure the child has the best opportunity to lead a healthy, normal life.
What color is cystic fibrosis stool?
The color of stool in individuals with cystic fibrosis can vary depending on the individual’s diet and the health of their digestive system. Generally speaking, cystic fibrosis stool tends to be on the dark-colored side, ranging from clay or light brown to dark green or nearly black.
If you or someone you know has cystic fibrosis, it’s important to monitor any changes in the color or texture of their stool. If the color, smell or texture changes significantly or the stool becomes greasy, it may be a sign of malabsorption or a more serious condition that needs to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Is it obvious if you have cystic fibrosis?
No, it is not always obvious if you have cystic fibrosis. The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. Some people may not have any symptoms at all and may not be diagnosed until later in life when complications arise.
Typical signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis include persistent cough with thick, greenish or yellow mucus, frequent lung infections, shortness of breath, asthma-like episodes, salty-tasting skin, poor growth and delayed puberty, and constant hunger despite eating well.
Additionally, it can also affect other body systems like the pancreas, intestines, reproductive organs, and liver. To diagnose cystic fibrosis, the doctor may order a sweat chloride test, imaging tests, genetic testing, and lung function tests.
Can a cystic fibrosis carrier have mild symptoms?
Yes, it is possible for a cystic fibrosis carrier to have mild symptoms. A carrier is someone who carries the gene for cystic fibrosis (CF), but does not suffer from the disorder. About 1 in 25 people born in the United States are cystic fibrosis carriers.
Although CF carriers will not have the same symptoms as someone who has been diagnosed with the disorder, they can still experience some mild, CF-related symptoms, such as a slight salty taste to their sweat or an unusually frequent or persistent lung or sinus infections.
Additionally, cystic fibrosis carriers may also be more likely to experience issues with their CFTR protein, such as decreased function, which can lead to more minor problems, like frequent gastrointestinal issues.
Ultimately, it is important for cystic fibrosis carriers to be aware of their status and talk to their doctor about any possible symptoms, as this can help them stay as healthy as possible.
