E84.9: Cystic fibrosis, unspecified

You have cystic fibrosis.

With cystic fibrosis, the genetic information for a particular protein is changed. When beginning its development, every single cell in the body contains a complete blueprint of the body. This blueprint consists of genetic information. The genetic information is encrypted in the chromosomes. Every human cell normally contains 23 chromosome pairs, i.e. a total of 46 chromosomes. Cystic fibrosis can be hereditary. Family members can also be affected.

When the genetic information changes, that particular protein does not work properly. The body needs the protein to produce certain fluids. If the protein does not work properly the phlegm in the lungs and intestine or the pancreatic juice can become very viscous, for example. This can cause organs to get blocked and damaged.

The lungs may be affected. The lungs are on the left and right side of the ribcage. They are also connected to the nose and mouth via the bronchial tubes and windpipe (trachea). Air enters the lungs through the airways. The lower airways begin with the trachea (windpipe) and continue into the lungs. The airways branch out further into the lungs, becoming smaller and smaller. Viscous phlegm can collect in the lungs. The lungs can then become inflamed. This can cause coughing and make you less resilient physically.

The pancreas may also be affected. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen. It regulates the sugar content in the blood and forms substances for digestion, for example. If your pancreas is very severely damaged, the sugar level in your blood may also increase. The liver can also become inflamed.The liver is a vital organ in the top right of the abdomen. For example, it helps with blood clotting and detoxifying the body. Nutrients from food are processed in the liver. If the liver is constantly inflamed, it may no longer work well and develop scarring later. The skin may turn yellow as a result.

Fertility can be constrained, too. In men the spermatic duct can get blocked. When the spermatic ducts are blocked, sperm cells cannot be transported and infertility may result.The spermatic duct transports the sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The sperm emerge via the urethra. There is one spermatic duct on each side.

In women, the cycle may be disrupted. This can lead to irregular periods. Due to the tough mucus in the cervix, it is more difficult for the sperm to reach the egg cell.The womb lies in the pelvis and is shaped like a pear. The narrower part extends downward into the vagina and is called the cervix. When a woman is pregnant, the child grows in her uterus.

You may only have a few symptoms or be very sick. That depends on how much of the altered protein you have.