Serious Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

More Salt In Sweat

One of the first symptoms of cystic fibrosis is a distinct salty taste to the skin. Many parents recognize the taste when kissing their babies. This is due to more salt in the sweat on the surface of the skin. When the body sweats, salt is used as a catalyst to carry water to the surface of the skin to provide cooling and then be reabsorbed. When an individual has cystic fibrosis, the salt transports to the surface, but instead of being reabsorbed, remains on the surface of the skin. Because of this, individuals with cystic fibrosis are generally deficient in salt and are prone to fatigue, cramps, stomach pain, and dehydration due to this deficiency. They are at especially high risk when the weather is hot. Those with cystic fibrosis are encouraged to drink liquids that include electrolytes as a supplement for sodium intake.

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