There is a long list of physical symptoms associated with CF, but most people with the condition will only experience a handful of these at any time. There are a host of treatments available to tackle some of the life-limiting effects of these symptoms and reduce the impact of CF on the body.
Lungs
People with CF are susceptible to a range of infections as well as reduced lung function, which can have a huge impact on health and wellbeing. Find out more about lung infection, transplant, cross-infection and antibiotic resistance on our lungs page.
Digestive system
Cystic fibrosis can cause various problems with the digestive system, requiring medications - sometimes including insulin - to be taken with every meal, as well as special dietary adjustments.
Find out more about the pancreas and digestion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, cystic fibrosis and meconium ileus (bowel obstruction), distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) and gastro-oesophageal reflux on our digestive system page.
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes
Inflammation and scarring of the pancreas can prevent the effective production of insulin, resulting in CF-related diabetes (CFRD). CFRD is common in adults and adolescents with cystic fibrosis. Recent data from the UK CF Registry indicates that more than one-third of adults with CF are being treated for CFRD; for children the prevalence of CFRD almost 30%. Find out more on our CFRD page.
Liver
Cystic fibrosis can cause the blockage of small ducts in the liver, leading to liver disease. Find out more about how common liver disease and jaundice is in people with CF, how CF affects the liver, the symptoms of CF-related liver disease and how it is diagnosed on our liver page.
Bones
In people with cystic fibrosis, bones may become thinner and weaker at a younger age than in people who do not have the condition. Find out more about joint pain and arthritis, osteopenia, osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD), as well as how low BMD is caused, measured, treated and prevented on our bones page.
Fertility
Both men and women with cystic fibrosis (CF) may have problems conceiving a child ‘naturally’ for various reasons. Find out more about how CF affects the reproductive system and fertility of men and women, and the different fertility treatments available, on our fertility page.
Additional symptoms
There are a number of other symptoms that someone with CF might experience, which can also often be treated through various medications and procedures.
Find out more about the additional symptoms of cystic fibrosis, including fertility, kidney and hearing complications, sinusitis, nasal polyps, nail clubbing and sweat, and the symptoms in babies and young children – and whether carriers get symptoms or not – on our additional symptoms page.
Support with symptoms
If you need any advice about the symptoms of cystic fibrosis, speak to your CF team. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is not able to provide medical advice, but if you have general questions or just want someone to talk to, please call our helpline on 0300 373 1000 or email the helpline team, where you can speak to a friendly expert.