Eventually, the thick mucus blocks the ducts of the pancreas. The pancreas produces several important enzymes for digestion. Without them, a person does not properly absorb fat, protein, and several vitamins. This leads to various problems in growth, development, and blood clotting. Liver disorders may also develop.
Cystic fibrosis is diagnosed by testing sweat and by testing lung or pancreas function.
There is now a genetic test that helps confirm the disease or if someone is a carrier. The test is not completely accurate, because it looks for a defect found in only 7 out of 10 cases. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. The aim of treatment is to help the person lead as normal a life as possible. To combat salt loss, the person should generously salt foods and take sodium supplements.