Nutritional deficiencies: Thick mucus can block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your intestines. Without these enzymes, your body can't absorb protein, fats or fat-soluble vitamins, so you can't get enough nutrients. This can result in delayed growth, weight loss or inflammation of the pancreas.
Diabetes: The pancreas produces insulin, which your body needs to use sugar. Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of diabetes. About 20% of teenagers and 40% to 50% of adults with CF develop diabetes.
Liver disease: The tube that carries bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestine may become blocked and inflamed. This can lead to liver problems, such as jaundice, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis — and sometimes gallstones.
Intestinal obstruction: Intestinal blockage can happen to people with cystic fibrosis at all ages. Intussusceptions, a condition in which a segment of the intestine slides inside an adjacent section of the intestine like a collapsible telescope, also can occur.
Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS): DIOS is partial or complete obstruction where the small intestine meets the large intestine. DIOS requires urgent treatment.
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
