Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease of the exocrine glands affecting the pancreas and respiratory system. The sweat glands and the mucus-secreting glands do not function properly.

This disease usually begins in infancy. In most children, the mucus prevents the enzymes of the pancreas from reaching the intestine and aiding in the digestion and absorption of food. The result is a malnourished and underweight child.

Another pronounced symptom is the excessive amounts of salt in body sweat. As a result, in hot weather or in episodes of fever, children with cystic fibrosis are dangerously subject to heat exhaustion. The salt loss, which may be three times as great as that of healthy children, provides the principal diagnostic indication of the disease.

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Patients may be treated with a high protein diet, extra salt, chest physical therapy, and antibiotics to treat respiratory disease.