10 Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms to Look Out for

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Generally speaking, cystic fibrosis is a disease which is diagnosed in newborns and infants, as the onset of symptoms becomes progressively more apparent in a short amount of time.

1 – Salty-Tasting Skin Secretions

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Symptoms to look for in a newborn include salty-tasting skin secretions.

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

2 – Inability To Gain Weight

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Symptoms to look for in a newborn include an inability to gain weight, and in fact, the infant may lose weight.

In March, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a draft guidance against recommending Orkambi (lumacaftor-ivacaftor) for treating cystic fibrosis (CF) since its cost is too high for the low benefits it brings.

3 – Slow Growth

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Symptoms to look for in a newborn include slow growth.

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

4 – Coughing

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Respiratory symptoms to look for in a newborn may include coughing.

Recently, a study found that individuals carrying the mutated gene for cystic fibrosis (CF) show an increased risk for asthma, in particular, CF carriers from Asian countries. 

5 – Nasal Congestion

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Respiratory symptoms to look for in a newborn may include nasal congestion.

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

6 – Pneumonia

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Respiratory symptoms to look for in a newborn may include pneumonia.

Did you know that children and women are faster breathers than men as their breathing rate is higher? Learn other curious facts about the lungs here.

7 – Shortness of Breath

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Respiratory symptoms to look for in a newborn may include shortness of breath.

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

8 – Bowel symptoms

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Bowel symptoms include diarrhea, severe constipation creating a stomach ache, bloating and gas, nausea, appetite loss and foul smelling stools.

In March, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued a draft guidance against recommending Orkambi (lumacaftor-ivacaftor) for treating cystic fibrosis (CF) since its cost is too high for the low benefits it brings.

9 – Phlegm

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Symptoms to look for in a newborn may include phlegm.

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

10 – Fever

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Symptoms to look for in a newborn may include fever.

Did you know that children and women are faster breathers than men as their breathing rate is higher? Learn other curious facts about the lungs here.

*Symptoms that may occur later in life:

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Clubbed fingers, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and possible infertility in males (loss of the vas deferens due to mucus build up).

Learn more about the cystic fibrosis symptoms.

Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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