Embarrassing Illnesses

Cystic fibrosis can cause several health complications and related problems, which are detailed below.

Meconium ileus

Around ten percent of babies with cystic fibrosis are born with a serious bowel obstruction, known as meconium ileus, which can make them very ill in their first few days. All babies are born with meconium in their bowels, which is a thick, black material normally passed a day or two after birth. However, in babies with cystic fibrosis, the meconium is too thick to be passed through the bowels and causes a blockage. If your baby is born with meconium ileus, it is likely that they will need an urgent operation to remove it.

Diabetes

In older people with cystic fibrosis, the pancreas can become very damaged by the mucus that builds up in the digestive system. Diabetes can occur if your pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, a hormone that controls the level of sugar in your blood. The symptoms of diabetes include feeling constantly thirsty, frequently needing to pass urine, and feeling extremely tired. If you develop diabetes alongside cystic fibrosis, you may need to take regular injections of insulin to control it.

Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)

If you have cystic fibrosis, your bones can become weak and brittle if you do not get enough of the vitamins and minerals you need. Adults with cystic fibrosis are more at risk of developing osteoporosis if they are taking steroids to help their breathing. If you develop osteoporosis as a result of cystic fibrosis, you may experience joint pains, and your bones may fracture (break) more easily. You may need to take bisphosphonates, which help to maintain bone density.

Infertility

Both men and women with cystic fibrosis can have problems conceiving children. In men, this is due to a build up of mucus blocking the tubes that carry sperm, but this does not make them impotent. In women, the tendency to be underweight can affect their menstrual cycles, and can cause them to have irregular periods. However, the eggs are not affected so it is possible for women with cystic fibrosis to conceive, and there is still a need for contraception. Some oral contraceptives can aggravate symptoms of cystic fibrosis, so you should discuss this with your GP. You should also see your GP if you have cystic fibrosis and you want to become pregnant, as pregnancy can also make your symptoms worse.

Liver damage

In around 8% of people with cystic fibrosis, the tiny ducts in the liver can become blocked by mucus. This can be serious and may even lead to a liver transplant.