As a result of the high rate of infection in the lower respiratory tract, people with CF may develop a chronic cough, blood in the sputum, and sometimes can even have a collapsed lung. The cough is usually worse in the morning or after activity. People with CF also have involvement of the upper respiratory tract. About 10 to 20 percent of patients have nasal polyps that need surgical removal. Nasal polyps are small protrusions of tissue from the lining of the nose that go into the nasal cavity.
Children also have a high rate of sinus infections.
The pancreas is the main organ that is affected. The pancreas is an organ found in the abdominal cavity that secretes different materials. The substances that are secreted help to aid in digestion and help to control the levels of sugars in the blood. As a result of the abnormal electrolyte transport system in the cells, the secretions from the pancreas become thick and lead to an obstruction of the ducts of the pancreas. This obstruction then causes a decrease in the secretion of enzymes from the pancreas that normally help to digest food.