The thick mucus also causes bacteria to get stuck in the airways, which causes inflammation and infections. These infections can cause chronic coughing, and wheezing. Over time, mucus buildup and infections can lead to permanent lung damage, including the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) and cysts in the lungs.Mucus can also block the digestive tract and pancreas, leading to digestive problems.CF is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene and is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

Introduction