How Cystic Fibrosis Affects Digestion and the Pancreas

Reference Cystic fibrosis Opens New Window often affects the pancreas and digestive system because the Reference mucus Opens New Window in these areas becomes thick and sticky. If this occurs, the mucus blocks normal digestive function as well as harbors infection.

The digestive system is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients from the food, and ridding the body of waste products. The Reference pancreas Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window is an organ that is located in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and close to the spine. It produces digestive enzymes, which travel to the intestines and break down (digest) food so that nutrients can be absorbed by the body.

Cystic fibrosis and digestion

In cystic fibrosis, mucus clogs the pancreas, and digestive enzymes are not able to get to the intestine. So food is not properly digested, particularly fats and proteins. A related symptom is large, greasy, smelly stools.

Lack of nutrition prevents normal growth and development in babies and children. Unhealthy weight loss and difficulty gaining or maintaining weight are common problems for many people of all ages who have cystic fibrosis.

Reference Gastroesophageal reflux disease Opens New Window (GERD) is common in people who have cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis and insulin

In addition to enzymes, the pancreas also produces insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. Over time, the abnormal buildup of enzymes starts to break down pancreatic tissue. This slows and may eventually stop insulin production, resulting in Reference diabetes Opens New Window.

Other problems

Cystic fibrosis may also affect the bowel and liver in the following ways:

• Large stools can cause irritation, swelling, or blockage of the bowels, resulting in the inability to pass stool; vomiting; bulging of the lower part of the large intestine (rectum) through the anus; and Reference collapse of the bowel Opens New Window into itself like a closing telescope.
• Damage to the Reference bile ducts Opens New Window results in eventual Reference cirrhosis Opens New Window and liver disease.
• A few people who have cystic fibrosis develop distal intestinal obstruction syndrome. This is an obstruction in the small bowel that causes abdominal pain, cramping, and constipation.
• Reference Pancreatitis Opens New Window, an inflammation of the pancreas, may result when thick mucus blocks the tube (duct) that leads from the pancreas to the beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.