What is cystic fibrosis primarily characterized by?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, and it is characterized by the production of thick, sticky mucus. This thick mucus obstructs the airways, leading to difficulty breathing, frequent lung infections, and ultimately damage to lung tissue. The abnormal mucus can also impact other organs, particularly the pancreas, but its most significant effects are seen in the lungs, where it creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth and inflammation.

While severe lung infections can be a consequence of cystic fibrosis, they are not the primary characteristic of the disease itself. Similarly, an increased respiratory rate may occur as a response to underlying respiratory issues, but it is not a defining feature of cystic fibrosis. Fluid accumulation in the pleural space, known as pleural effusion, is not a typical presentation of cystic fibrosis, as the condition primarily involves thick mucus rather than fluid accumulation in the lungs. Thus, the hallmark of cystic fibrosis is indeed the presence of thick mucus that obstructs the airways.