Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System

How does CF affect the digestive system?

Children with CF have an abnormality in the function of a cell protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR). CFTR controls the flow of water and certain salts in and out of the body's cells. As the movement of salt and water in and out of cells is altered, mucus becomes thickened.

In the digestive system, CF mainly affects the pancreas. The pancreas is an organ that secretes substances which aid in digestion and control the levels of blood sugar.

As a result of the abnormality in the function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR), the secretions from the pancreas become thick and lead to an obstruction of the ducts. This obstruction then causes a decrease in the secretion of digestive enzymes from the pancreas. A child with CF has difficulty absorbing fats, some proteins, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

The problems with the pancreas can become so severe that some of the hormone cells in the pancreas can be destroyed. This may lead to glucose intolerance and insulin-dependent diabetes. About 15 percent of CF patients develop this type of diabetes.

The symptoms that may be present due to the effects of CF on the digestive system include the following:

• frequent, bulky, greasy stools
  
  
• rectal prolapse - a condition in which the end part of the bowels comes out of the anus.
  
  
• fat in the stools
  
  
• stomach pain
  
  
• bloody diarrhea
  
  
• poor growth
  
  
• gallstones

The liver may also be affected. A small number of patients may actually develop liver disease. Symptoms of liver disease may include:

• enlarged liver
• swollen abdomen
• yellow color to the skin
• vomiting of blood

More information on Cystic Fibrosis:

• Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

• Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis

• Genetics of Cystic Fibrosis

• Treatment of Cystic Fibrosis

• Cystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System

• Cystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System

• Feeding Your Child With Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis Center at Rush

The Cystic Fibrosis Center at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, offers a state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary team approach to the care and treatment of infants, children, adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis. Our mission is to provide a comprehensive scope of services of the highest quality to patients, while advancing knowledge through education and research.

The Rush Cystic Fibrosis Center is fully accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has been recognized as a new model for providing comprehensive cystic fibrosis care by the North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference.

For more information about care for cystic fibrosis at Rush visit our Cystic Fibrosis Center home page.

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