What are the effects of cystic fibrosis?

Question

Options:
Respiratory and digestive issues
Circulatory and cardiovascular diseases
A sense of pigment
Skin disorders

Answer 1

Cystic fibrosis primarily causes respiratory and digestive issues. It is an inherited condition that affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery, but in people with cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. As a result, they can clog tubes, ducts, and passageways, particularly in the lungs and pancreas.

The most common effects include:

1. Respiratory issues: Thick mucus can block airways, leading to frequent lung infections, persistent coughing, wheezing, and reduced lung function. Over time, these can lead to severe lung damage, including the formation of cysts (hence the name) and fibrosis (scar tissue) that can severely inhibit breathing.

2. Digestive issues: The thick mucus can also block the channels that transport digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine. Without these enzymes, the body cannot properly digest or absorb nutrients, especially fats and proteins. This can lead to malnutrition, poor growth, weight loss, and issues with bowel movements.

Cystic fibrosis does not directly cause circulatory or cardiovascular diseases, a sense of pigment, or skin disorders in the way that it affects the respiratory and digestive systems. However, it is important to note that the disease can have broad effects on the body, potentially leading to complications such as diabetes or osteoporosis, due to the malabsorption of nutrients, among other systemic effects.

A sense of pigment is unrelated to cystic fibrosis. Skin disorders are also not a primary symptom of cystic fibrosis, although the disease can affect the sweat glands, causing saltier sweat, which can in turn lead to an imbalance of minerals in the body and can potentially lead to other issues, including heat-related problems.

Answer 2

Pick one correct option

Answer 3

Respiratory and digestive issues.