Which of the following is a common pulmonary complication associated with cystic fibrosis?

Which of the following is a common pulmonary complication associated with cystic fibrosis?

• A. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• B. Nosebleeds
• C. Headache
• D. Rash

Answer: (A)

Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus that blocks airways and leads to recurrent lung infections with ongoing inflammation. This chronic damage, including bronchiectasis, makes the bronchial arteries fragile and prone to bleeding. When bleeding occurs, coughing can bring blood up with the sputum—hemoptysis—which is a common pulmonary complication in CF. Nasal bleeding and sinusitis reflect upper airway issues rather than the lungs, while headaches and rashes are not typical pulmonary manifestations of CF.

Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus that blocks airways and leads to recurrent lung infections with ongoing inflammation. This chronic damage, including bronchiectasis, makes the bronchial arteries fragile and prone to bleeding. When bleeding occurs, coughing can bring blood up with the sputum—hemoptysis—which is a common pulmonary complication in CF. Nasal bleeding and sinusitis reflect upper airway issues rather than the lungs, while headaches and rashes are not typical pulmonary manifestations of CF.