The effects of CF

• Mucas accumulates in the lungs, bacteria trapped in te mucas increase the possibility of infection

• Mucas can block bronchioles, which reduces the number of alveoli in contact with fresh air so reduces the surface area for gas exchange.

• Mucas blocks the pancreatic duct, so digestive enzymes can't reach the duodenum (small intestine) and food is not properly digested. This leads to tiredness and difficulty gaining weight.
• Enzymes trapped within the pancreas cause fibrosed cysts and damage to insluin producing cells, leading to diabetes.

• In women, mucas can block the cervix preventing entry of sperm

• In men, the vas deferns (sperm duct) is either missing or blocked with mucas, so sperm cannot leave the testes.

Sweat contains water and salts and the sweat of a person with CF contains more sodium and chloride than usual