17th February 2025

Clinical features of CF

Viscous secretions in the lungs can cause recurrent chest infections and subsequent bronchiectasis.

In the pancreas, secretions can block exocrine ducts, leading to pancreatic enzyme insufficiency (malabsorption, steatorrhoea) and pancreatic destruction, causing diabetes mellitus.

Thickened secretions in the reproductive organs can cause infertility, reduced fertility and delayed puberty. Fertility issues are often more severe in men than women, due to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens. 

Patients with cystic fibrosis are also at high risk of intestinal obstruction; meconium ileus is seen in newborns.