In individuals affected with CF, the glands which produce mucous, sweat, and intestinal secretions do not function properly, resulting in abnormally thick secretions. These thick secretions present in the lungs and intestines cause problems with breathing and digestion. Common respiratory signs of CF may include coughing, breathing problems, respiratory infections, and lung damage.
Digestive signs are poor weight gain and bulky foul-smelling stools.
In addition, the skin has a salty taste. While treatment has improved, death may occur in early childhood or as a young adult. CF is inherited as an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Autosomal means the abnormal gene is not on a sex chromosome. Recessive means the effect of the gene would only be seen when a baby inherits an abnormal gene from both parents and does not inherit a normal dominant gene.