The symptoms of cystic fibrosis begin to develop in the first year of a child's life, however, they may not appear until much later in the child's life. The parts of the body most affected by cystic fibrosis are the sweat glands, the digestive system, the respiratory system and the reproductive system. Sweat glands: Due to the malfunction of CFTR proteins in a person with cystic fibrosis, the amount of salt that is lost through sweat increases. The function of sweat glands is to cool the body by releasing sweat onto the surface of the skin. Salt helps transport water to the surface of the skin and is then reabsorbed. Low salt levels in the body can lead to: weakness, fever, muscle cramps, stomach pain, vomiting, heat stroke and dehydration.13. Digestive System: Enzymes are necessary to complete the digestive process. As digested food travels through the small intestine, the bloodstream absorbs nutrients from the food and distributes them throughout the body. The pancreas produces enzymes that aid digestion. In people with cystic fibrosis, the thick, sticky mucus produced blocks the pancreatic ducts. As a result, enzymes cannot reach the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food11. This then results in incomplete digestion and the nutrients from the food are not absorbed properly into the bloodstream10. Changes in the digestive system result in: malnutrition, poor weight gain and growth, swelling of the abdomen and in some cases the production of large, loose, smelly stools2. Around 8% of cystic fibrosis sufferers may therefore suffer from heart disease. liver. This is because the thick, sticky mucus produced can cause blockages of small ducts within the liver.10. Reproductive system: Both in males and ... middle of paper ... x-ray is also important as it helps clear the airways of thick mucus. Physiotherapy involves a firm pat on the chest to encourage the expulsion of mucus and sputum by coughing.3. Courses of antibiotics are prescribed to fight lung infections. Some ways to receive antibiotics are: taking them as pills, liquids, or capsules by mouth. Using a nebulizer so they can be easily inhaled and, in more severe cases, administering them intravenously1. In extremely severe cases of cystic fibrosis, the lungs may have stopped working properly, a doctor may recommend a lung transplant1. Improved treatment methods have made it more possible to allow people with cystic fibrosis to live into middle age3. Lung damage results from a decline in lung function that begins in early childhood11. Most people with cystic fibrosis die due to respiratory complications and heart failure3.