Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System

How does cystic fibrosis affect the respiratory system?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease. It causes problems in the body's cells that make salt, water, and mucus. There is no cure for CF. It is a disease that gets worse over time. But better treatments can now help people with CF live longer and healthier lives. Most people with CF live into their late 30s, and many into their 50s. Some people with CF now live into their 70s. 

CF causes thick mucus to build up and clog certain parts of the body such as the lung. The buildup is caused by an abnormal gene called CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator). CFTR controls the flow of water and salt in and out of the body's cells. Changes cause mucus to become thickened and sticky. This first affects the small airways in the lungs. Over time, it can affect all airways.

Children with CF may have lung infections. This is because bacteria that are normally cleared from the lungs stay in the thickened mucus. Many of these lung infections are long-term (chronic).

Children with CF also can have problems in their upper respiratory tract. They can have nasal polyps. These are small growths of tissue from the lining of the nose. They go into the air-filled space above and behind the nose (nasal cavity). Sometimes these polyps must be taken out by a healthcare provider. Children with CF also often have sinus infections.

CF affects the respiratory system. So a child with CF may have these symptoms:

  • Chronic cough

  • Coughing up blood

  • Collapsed lung

  • A rounding and enlargement of the tips of the fingers and toes (clubbing)

  • Frequent lung infections with thick phlegm

  • Heart enlargement

  • Nasal polyps

  • Shortness of breath

  • Inflamed nasal sinuses (sinusitis)