CF is present at birth. However, the symptoms caused by CF may not be noticed for many years. Each individual with CF may not experience all known symptoms. The age at which people first experience symptoms varies greatly from person to person. Some people may not show any symptoms of there disease until adolescence or even into their adult years.
Most people have a enough problems that they are diagnosed within the first three years of life.
There is an increasing number of patients diagnosed in adulthood. The most frequently seen symptoms of CF include gastrointestinal and pulmonary problems. These symptoms are common in many other diseases as well.