Serious Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Frequent Pneumonia

Frequent pneumonia infections can be indicative of cystic fibrosis. This symptom is most prevalent in older children and adults affected by cystic fibrosis. The thick and sticky mucus can easily accumulate and clog up the tubes within the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients. This thick mucus also commonly clogs up the openings to the sinuses, the small air pockets behind the cheekbones, nose, eyes, and forehead. Both types of blockages create a hospitable environment and breeding ground for pathogens such as bacteria and fungi. In the immune system of cystic fibrosis patients, complement receptors including CR1, C3bi, and IgG are split into simpler molecules by neutrophil elastase. This dismantling process results in the failure of a process called opsonophagocytosis, or the process of ingesting and destroying foreign pathogens and particles by phagocytes initiated by an opsonin. This malfunction results in a vicious recurrent infection and neutrophilic inflammatory cycle that results in further irritation and damage of the lung tissues. Due to this impairment, the bacteria that invade the lungs become persistent and hard to fight off, leading to repeated infections or frequent pneumonia.