Complications of cystic fibrosis
Most complications from cystic fibrosis occur in the respiratory or digestive systems.
Respiratory complications include:
- Tissue growths in the nose (nasal polyps).
- Tearing of lung tissue, which traps air between the lung and the chest wall (pneumothorax) and may cause the lung to collapse.
- Coughing up large amounts of blood.
- Enlargement of the right side of the heart, which may lead to heart failure.
- Enlarged, damaged airways (bronchiectasis) which can lead to infection.
- An infection caused by a fungus (allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis).
Digestive system complications include:
- Intestinal blockages.
- Rectal prolapse.
- An enlarged liver and spleen and liver disease.
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
- Diabetes.
- Bone thinning (osteopenia or osteoporosis).
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: June 26, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology | |
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