4. Nasal Polyps and Coughing Up Blood
The thickening of mucus affects the sinus as well. It’s common for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis to develop frequent bouts of sinusitis. Consistent flare-ups in the sinus lead to the growth of nasal polyps. These polyps are soft, non-cancerous, and painless growths that occur in the lining of your nasal passages.
Polyps hang down like grapes or teardrops and require medication to reduce the swelling. In some cases, large polyps may not decrease in size, even with the use of drugs. Persistent polyps require removal through surgery. Patients may not notice small polyps, but large ones can interfere with breathing through the nasal passages.
Over time, cystic fibrosis causes thinning of the walls of the airways. Violent coughing damages the tubes and results in patients coughing up specks of blood along with the mucus. If you notice blood in your sputum, contact your doctor immediately for an assessment of the situation.