Category Archives: Cf

CF Industries Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CF) just released its quarterly report and things are looking bullish. It was overall a positive result, with revenues beating expectations by 5.0% to hit US$971m. CF Industries Holdings also reported a statutory profit of US$0.31, which was an impressive 23% above what the analysts had forecast. Following the result, the analysts have updated their earnings model, and it would be good to know whether they think there's been a strong change in the company's prospects, or if it's business as usual. With this in mind, we've gathered the latest statutory forecasts to see what the analysts are expecting for next year.

View our latest analysis for CF Industries Holdings

NYSE:CF Past and Future Earnings May 8th 2020

Following the recent earnings report, the consensus from 18 analysts covering CF Industries Holdings is for revenues of US$4.21b in 2020, implying a discernible 7.6% decline in sales compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are forecast to plummet 21% to US$1.70 in the same period. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analysts had been anticipated revenues of US$4.19b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$1.53 in 2020. There was no real change to the revenue estimates, but the analysts do seem more bullish on earnings, given the nice increase in earnings per share expectations following these results.

The consensus price target was unchanged at US$36.76, implying that the improved earnings outlook is not expected to have a long term impact on value creation for shareholders. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. The most optimistic CF Industries Holdings analyst has a price target of US$52.00 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at US$24.00. Note the wide gap in analyst price targets? This implies to us that there is a fairly broad range of possible scenarios for the underlying business.

Looking at the bigger picture now, one of the ways we can make sense of these forecasts is to see how they measure up against both past performance and industry growth estimates. These estimates imply that sales are expected to slow, with a forecast revenue decline of 7.6%, a significant reduction from annual growth of 1.6% over the last five years. Compare this with our data, which suggests that other companies in the same industry are, in aggregate, expected to see their revenue grow 4.0% next year. It's pretty clear that CF Industries Holdings' revenues are expected to perform substantially worse than the wider industry.

The biggest takeaway for us is the consensus earnings per share upgrade, which suggests a clear improvement in sentiment around CF Industries Holdings' earnings potential next year. Fortunately, the analysts also reconfirmed their revenue estimates, suggesting sales are tracking in line with expectations - although our data does suggest that CF Industries Holdings' revenues are expected to perform worse than the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$36.76, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets.

Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for CF Industries Holdings going out to 2024, and you can see them free on our platform here..

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That said, it's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with CF Industries Holdings (at least 1 which is concerning) , and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.

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Earnings Beat: CF Industries Holdings, Inc. Just Beat Analyst Forecasts, And Analysts Have Been Updating Their Models - Yahoo Finance

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Unfortunately for some shareholders, the CF Industries Holdings (NYSE:CF) share price has dived 31% in the last thirty days. Indeed the recent decline has arguably caused some bitterness for shareholders who have held through the 39% drop over twelve months.

Assuming nothing else has changed, a lower share price makes a stock more attractive to potential buyers. In the long term, share prices tend to follow earnings per share, but in the short term prices bounce around in response to short term factors (which are not always obvious). The implication here is that long term investors have an opportunity when expectations of a company are too low. Perhaps the simplest way to get a read on investors' expectations of a business is to look at its Price to Earnings Ratio (PE Ratio). A high P/E implies that investors have high expectations of what a company can achieve compared to a company with a low P/E ratio.

See our latest analysis for CF Industries Holdings

We can tell from its P/E ratio of 11.41 that sentiment around CF Industries Holdings isn't particularly high. If you look at the image below, you can see CF Industries Holdings has a lower P/E than the average (15.0) in the chemicals industry classification.

Its relatively low P/E ratio indicates that CF Industries Holdings shareholders think it will struggle to do as well as other companies in its industry classification. Many investors like to buy stocks when the market is pessimistic about their prospects. If you consider the stock interesting, further research is recommended. For example, I often monitor director buying and selling.

Generally speaking the rate of earnings growth has a profound impact on a company's P/E multiple. If earnings are growing quickly, then the 'E' in the equation will increase faster than it would otherwise. And in that case, the P/E ratio itself will drop rather quickly. So while a stock may look expensive based on past earnings, it could be cheap based on future earnings.

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CF Industries Holdings's earnings made like a rocket, taking off 80% last year. Unfortunately, earnings per share are down 16% a year, over 5 years.

It's important to note that the P/E ratio considers the market capitalization, not the enterprise value. So it won't reflect the advantage of cash, or disadvantage of debt. Hypothetically, a company could reduce its future P/E ratio by spending its cash (or taking on debt) to achieve higher earnings.

While growth expenditure doesn't always pay off, the point is that it is a good option to have; but one that the P/E ratio ignores.

CF Industries Holdings's net debt is 66% of its market cap. If you want to compare its P/E ratio to other companies, you should absolutely keep in mind it has significant borrowings.

CF Industries Holdings trades on a P/E ratio of 11.4, which is below the US market average of 13.0. The company may have significant debt, but EPS growth was good last year. If the company can continue to grow earnings, then the current P/E may be unjustifiably low. Given CF Industries Holdings's P/E ratio has declined from 16.5 to 11.4 in the last month, we know for sure that the market is significantly less confident about the business today, than it was back then. For those who don't like to trade against momentum, that could be a warning sign, but a contrarian investor might want to take a closer look.

Investors should be looking to buy stocks that the market is wrong about. If the reality for a company is not as bad as the P/E ratio indicates, then the share price should increase as the market realizes this. So this free visual report on analyst forecasts could hold the key to an excellent investment decision.

But note: CF Industries Holdings may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with strong recent earnings growth (and a P/E ratio below 20).

If you spot an error that warrants correction, please contact the editor at editorial-team@simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. Simply Wall St has no position in the stocks mentioned.

We aim to bring you long-term focused research analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Thank you for reading.

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What Is CF Industries Holdings's (NYSE:CF) P/E Ratio After Its Share Price Tanked? - Yahoo Finance

A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer who tested positive for coronavirus has shared a message of hope after beating the disease.

Daniel James-Lacey McInerney, 21, said he was "absolutely terrified" after contracting Covid-19 and feared that he was going to die.

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But after two weeks of hospital treatment and home quarantine, he has finally beaten the virus.

He told theDaily Express: "I know the 'at risk' vulnerable people in the UK are scared of what is going on, but I want to give them some hope.

"I have no idea at all how I caught coronavirus, where I caught it or why, but I have faced it and fought it off.

"If someone with lungs working at only 25 per cent, weakened by cystic fibrosis can shake off Covid-19 I feel confident many more people can."

I know the 'at risk' vulnerable people in the UK are scared of what is going on, but I want to give them some hope

Daniel, of Camden, north London, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) when he was just four-years-old.

He recalled that on March 5, after feeling run-down and chesty, he contacted his CF unit.

The 21-year-old was already self-isolating at home because having CF as an underlying condition put him in one of the "at risk" groups.

On March 9 he got a bed at St Bartholomew's, but on March 10 he woke up with terrible flu symptoms.

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He was then tested for Covid-19 and given the news that he had contracted the deadly disease.

Daniel added how he thought he was "going to die" during his time in hospital.

"In the room next to me in the ICU, I could hear an elderly man in his 70s on a ventilator due to Covid-19 it broke my heart," concluded Daniel.

"I had survivors' guilt and requested to be moved from the ICU as others worse off than me needed them."

Sections of the hospital were cordoned off as he was taken home in a special ambulance being used in London just for coronavirus patients.

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Cystic fibrosis sufferer, 21, with lung condition survives coronavirus and says we can beat this! - The Sun

The share price of CF Industries Holdings Inc. [NYSE: CF] inclined by $27.20, presently trading at $25.85. The companys shares saw 31.02% gains compared to the lowest price in the period of the last 52 weeks, set at 19.73 recorded on 04/01/20. The last few days have been tough to the share price as CF fall by -4.33% during the last week, even though the stock is still up by 28.96 compared to -1.17 of all time high it touched on 03/26/20. However, the stock had a poor performance during the past 3 months, roughly losing -32.22%, while additionally dropping -37.98% during the last 12 months. CF Industries Holdings Inc. is said to have a 12-month price target set at $43.17. That means that the stock has a strong potential to acquire 17.32% increase from the current trading price.

Experts stock market traders frequently make a point to check what top Wall Street analysts say regarding a potential buy. Regarding CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] currently, the latest Wall Street ratings we can see is from the fiscal quarter thats going to end in 12/30/2019. On average, stock market experts give CF an Overweight rating. The average 12-month price forecast for this stock is $25.85, with the high estimate being $63.00, the low estimate being $30.00 and the median estimate amounting to $39.50. This is compared to its latest closing price of $27.20.

Wall Street analysts provide their ratings on a scale of 1 to 5, and the current average score for CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] is sitting at 3.75. This is compared to 1 month ago, when its average rating was 3.50.

Stay on the lookout for the next publication of this organizations financial results for the quarter, which will be made public on 04/29/2020.

Now lets turn to look at profitability: with a current Operating Margin for CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] sitting at 21.40% and its Gross Margin at 25.60%, this companys Net Margin is now 10.70. These metrics indicate that this company is not generating as much profit, after accounting for expenses, compared to its market peers.

This companys Return on Total Capital is 9.31, and its Return on Invested Capital has reached 6.71. Its Return on Equity is 16.60%, and its Return on Assets is 3.90%. These metrics show a mixed bag, which means that this investments attractiveness can be quickly increased or decreased in the short term, depending on future updates CF financial performance.

Turning to investigate this organizations capital structure, CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] has generated a Total Debt to Total Equity ratio of 146.36. Similarly, its Total Debt to Total Capital is 59.41, while its Total Debt to Total Assets stands at 33.95. Looking toward the future, this publicly-traded companys Long-Term Debt to Equity is 143.25, and its Long-Term Debt to Total Capital is 58.15.

What about valuation? This companys Enterprise Value to EBITDA is 6.59 and its Total Debt to EBITDA Value is 2.19. The Enterprise Value to Sales for this firm is now 2.60, and its Total Debt to Enterprise Value stands at 0.25. CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] has a Price to Book Ratio of 3.56, a Price to Cash Flow Ratio of 7.03 and P/E Ratio of 11.65. These metrics all suggest that CF Industries Holdings Inc. is more likely to generate a positive ROI.

CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] has 239.01M shares outstanding, amounting to a total market cap of 6.18B. Its stock price has been found in the range of 19.73 to 55.15. At its current price, it has moved down by -53.13% from its 52-week high, and it has moved up 31.02% from its 52-week low.

This stocks Beta value is currently 1.20, which indicates that it is 6.37% more volatile that the wider market. This stocks Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 41.86. This RSI score is good, suggesting this stock is neither overbought or oversold.

Shares of CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF], on the whole, present investors with both positive and negative signals. Wall Street analysts have mixed reviews when it comes to the 12-month price outlook, and this companys financials show a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Based on the price performance, this investment is somewhat risky while presenting reasonable potential for ROI.

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Why CF Industries Holdings Inc. [CF] is a Good Long-Term Investment - The Dwinnex

A brave young coronavirus survivor who defied the odds to overcome the virus has sent an inspirational message to other Londoners.

Daniel James-Lacey McInerney, from Camden Town, feared for his life after he tested positive for Covid-19 due to him suffering with cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung condition which affects breathing.

But the 21-year-old battled the virus at St Bartholomew's Hospital for nearly two weeks and is now at home recovering.

Daniel now wants to send a message of hope to the estimated three million people living in the UK with lung disease.

He told the Daily Express: "I know the 'at risk' vulnerable people in the UK are scared of what is going on but I want to give them some hope.

"I have no idea at all how I caught coronavirus, where I caught it or why, but I have faced it and fought it off.

"If someone with lungs working at only 25 per cent, weakened by cystic fibrosis can shake off Covid-19 I feel confident many more people can."

Daniel, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was aged four, contacted doctors on March 5 after feeling run-down and chesty.

He was already self-isolating at home and managed to get a bed at St Bartholomew's Hospital on March 9.

The following day, he woke up with severe flu symptoms.

"I woke up with a fever, sore throat, and a headache all at once, in the matter of one day - which is pretty bizarre for me," Daniel said.

"Yet when my swab test came back for normal flu. I was still confined to my room but told I could go home soon as it was normal flu.

"But that night they swabbed me for Covid-19 and on Thursday I felt really pretty bad and flu-like."

On March 13, a nurse entered Daniel's room with a mask on, along with a hazmat suit.

He was told he had tested positive for coronavirus - news which left him "terrified".

He said: "When the nurses told me I had coronavirus I knew I was in trouble and panicked and thought 'Am I going to die'?

"I felt pretty bad and flu-like, I had a fever, sore throat, and a headache all at once which I knew was unusual for me."

He added: "I had been reading already that having CF meant I was one of those most susceptible and likely to die."

Due to Daniel's condition, there were fears he might not beat the virus. Around two years ago, the student's health deteriorated rapidly and his steady 60 per cent lung function plunged to 25-30 per cent.

This has mainly been caused by a nasty bacteria in his lungs called Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (or NTM) which is almost impossible to ever shift. Now Daniel is almost constantly needing oxygen, although starting Vertex's Symkevi drug in January.

Daniel was moved into the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to await to see if his symptoms worsened.

He said: "The next few days got a lot better - I felt less flu-like but when we tested on March 16 I was still positive for coronavirus.

"In the room next to me in the ICU, I could hear an elderly man in his 70s on a ventilator due to Covid-19. It broke my heart.

"I had survivors' guilt and requested to be moved from the ICU as others worse off than me needed them."

Sections of the hospital were cordoned off as he was taken home in a special ambulance being used in London just for coronavirus patients. Daniel then went into quarantine until he finally tested negative last Monday (March 23).

He said: "Have faith that our immune system does work. Be positive and have people you can rely on.

"I really hope there will be more recovering cases - this isn't an apocalyptic pandemic but it is serious, so just be safe."

He added: "Now I want to spread some hope. If diagnosed, take your time and don't think the worst."

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For the most up to date coronavirus advice and figures, click here.

Have you been affected by coronavirus in your part of London? If so, email mylondonnewsdesk@reachplc.com

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London coronavirus: Inspirational cystic fibrosis sufferer overcomes Covid-19 and says: 'We can beat this' - MyLondon

WELCOME to our world.

That is how Castlemartyr-based David Conroy, who suffers from CF (Cystic Fibrosis), sums up the nationwide response to the coronavirus pandemic.

CF is a condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, and David says the hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette that is now universally necessary to contain the new virus, is what he and other CF sufferers have to take heed of all the time.

Thankfully, David, aged 46, hasnt been struck by coronavirus, and he is self-isolating.

Those of us with CF are high risk, he says, If we get coronavirus, its a very different story, so most of my CF community are self-isolating at the moment.

He is using his time wisely, trying to encourage the public to support Cystic Fibrosis Irelands fund-raising day,

David is unusual in that he was only diagnosed with CF at the age of 43.

Most people get their diagnosis of CF at birth, he says, There are many different genotypes. My one affects you later in life.

David constantly contracted chest infections and his weight used to fluctuate a lot as well.

My GP sent me to the Mercy Hospital in October, 2016. I was tested for absolutely everything there. They also did genetic testing and I got the result in February, 2017, with the diagnosis.

Like a lot of people, I had heard of CF but I didnt know what it entailed. Luckily the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at CUH is beyond amazing. Theyre like family in that the care and support they give you is phenomenal.

Its still very early days for me. I had a lot of pulmonary chest infections as a child but back then, there was no such thing as genetic testing.

With modern technology, theres a lot more older people getting diagnosed now.

Both of Davids parents have the particular genotype that has a 25% chance of resulting in a child with CF. David is the only one in his family that has the condition. How does it impact on daily life?

Theres no getting out of bed, jumping in the shower and running out to work, he explains.

I have to set my alarm to get up two hours before I need to go out. I have to use nebulisers to soften the mucus I carry in my lungs, to open up the airways.

Some days, I get really good clearance. After my shower and breakfast, I do physiotherapy myself. I might do it for half an hour. Other days it could take longer.

The physiotherapy should clear out your lungs. I do that twice a day, morning and evening. I also take antibiotics. Im on a high dose of antibiotics at the moment as I have a chest infection.

The Cystic Fibrosis Unit team at CUH has taught David how to take intravenous antibiotics.

Normally, when people need intervention, they go to hospital. I do it at home myself, he says.

David says that no two CF patients are the same. He leads a normal life, apart from the morning regime.

If you saw me walking down the street, you wouldnt think there was anything wrong with me. People are surprised when I tell them I have CF.

Breathlessness is part of the condition.

But its very individual, David adds.

Some patients are completely amazing. They were born to run and they do phenomenal amounts of training. Their fitness would be quite good. It all depends on the severity of the illness.

Taking exercise is of utmost importance, he says,

You have to keep working on your lungs. Thats why Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is so important. It helps us with grants for joining gyms and buying equipment for home.

For exercise, David walks his dog, for an hour or an hour and a half every day.

Its not like normal walking. You have to push yourself. Exercise is as important as the medication.

There are such fantastic areas around Castlemartyr for walks. I get out as much as I can. I live my life. I go on holidays.

Every so often, I need to go into hospital for maybe a two-week period for antibiotics. That might happen once a year.

David works part-time as a hairdresser in a Cork city salon.

He says: I do two half days. The social aspect of it is very important and its good to have a routine. I get out, go to work and meet people. I worked full time as a stylist until I got my diagnosis.

David says the drugs for CF are fantastic, adding: I started on a drug called Kalydeco which has completely transformed my life. It has reduced the amount of chest infections I get. It has given me back my life.

Ireland has the highest incidence of CF per capita in the world. There are approximately 1,400 people with the condition nationwide.

David says it is probably down to our small genetic pool.

Back a few generations, people married their relatives, he says.

He says that coronavirus is unbelievable the rest of the world is now kind of seeing what CF people live with every day.

If were on a bus or in a train and we hear someone coughing, were very aware that the person could give you a heavy cold or a chest infection that could curtail you for two to three weeks.

For us, hand hygiene is very important all the time. Keeping yourself well and not going near people that could possibly give you a cold is important.

If any of my family has a cold or a chest infection, I dont see them until it has passed.

Like many people lately, David sings the praises of Netflix for keeping him entertained and informed while he is in isolation.

His partner, Finbar Cuthbert, isnt working at the moment as he had to temporarily shut down his business in Youghal, Sage Cafe, because of coronavirus.

We have a box in Sage Cafe for donations for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, says David.

People in Youghal have been phenomenally generous.

Money raised for the organisation go towards patient grants for supports such as counselling, fertility treatment and transplant assessment.

It also helps towards the cost of a number of CF clinical staff in hospitals and it helps raise the 1m needed for the new CF in-patient unit at Beaumont Hospital.

Cystic Fibrosis Irelands annual 65 Roses Day on April 10 has changed due to coronavirus. It has gone virtual with public fund-raising replaced by an online appeal.

The public can donate online at www. 65RosesDay.ie.

Or people can text 65ROSES to 50300 to donate 2.

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Virus shows people what we are living with every day, says Cork CF sufferer - Echo Live

As part of a field test comprising four comparable vehicles, the first DAF CF Electric 6x2 refuse collection truck has entered operations with Dutch public waste disposal firm ROVA. The vehicle features a zero-emission VDL electric powertrain alongside a fully electric VDL refuse collection superstructure. The vehicle will be operated by ROVA in the Dutch city of Zwolle.

Since the end of 2018, DAF CF Electric 4x2 tractor vehicles have been in operation for inner city distribution at leading Dutch and German transport companies and supermarket chains. (Earlier post.)

While DAF has commenced limited sales of its CF Electric tractor in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, four fully electric 6x2 chassis are now entering a field test for refuse collection applications. The 3-axle vehicles provide high payload (GVW up to 28-tonnes) anddue to a steered trailing axleexcellent maneuverability; a huge advantage for waste collection vehicles operating in dense urban areas.

The VDL E-power driveline fitted to the DAF CF Electric 6x2 waste collection truck provides 210 kW of power and a torque of 2,000 Nmlike the CF Electric tractor. The driveline is powered by a battery pack with a (gross) energy content of 170 kWh; sufficient for covering regular garbage collection routes. Waste collection trucks typically return to the depot every few hours to unload, at which time a DAF CF Electric can recharge up to 80% battery capacity in only 30 minutes.

For ROVA, ease of use of the DAF CF Electric refuse collection truck is key, states Marco van Lente, General Director.

The DAF CF Electric is just as good and easy to operate as any conventionally powered truck and we truly believe it is important to participate from the start in the energy transition as natural resources are becoming increasingly rare. It is in our DNA to take care of the future of our planet and the use of low emission vehicles is part of our sustainability plan.

Marco van Lente

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First DAF CF Electric refuse collection truck delivered to ROVA - Green Car Congress

Overview

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.

Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.

Although cystic fibrosis is progressive and requires daily care, people with CF are usually able to attend school and work. They often have a better quality of life than people with CF had in previous decades. Improvements in screening and treatments mean that people with CF now may live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, and some are living into their 50s.

In the U.S., because of newborn screening, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed within the first month of life, before symptoms develop. But people born before newborn screening became available may not be diagnosed until the signs and symptoms of CF show up.

Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. Even in the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. Some people may not experience symptoms until their teenage years or adulthood. People who are not diagnosed until adulthood usually have milder disease and are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as recurring bouts of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), infertility and recurring pneumonia.

People with cystic fibrosis have a higher than normal level of salt in their sweat. Parents often can taste the salt when they kiss their children. Most of the other signs and symptoms of CF affect the respiratory system and digestive system.

The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. This can cause signs and symptoms such as:

The thick mucus can also block tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine. Without these digestive enzymes, your intestines aren't able to completely absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. The result is often:

If you or your child has symptoms of cystic fibrosis or if someone in your family has CF talk with your doctor about testing for the disease. Consult a physician who is knowledgeable about CF.

Cystic fibrosis requires consistent, regular follow-up with your doctor, at least every three months. Contact you doctor if you experience new or worsening symptoms, such as more mucus than usual or a change in the mucus color, lack of energy, weight loss, or severe constipation.

Seek immediate medical care if you're coughing up blood, have chest pain or difficulty breathing, or have severe stomach pain and distention.

In cystic fibrosis, a defect (mutation) in a gene the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt in and out of cells. The result is thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as increased salt in sweat.

Many different defects can occur in the gene. The type of gene mutation is associated with the severity of the condition.

Children need to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. If children inherit only one copy, they won't develop cystic fibrosis. However, they will be carriers and could pass the gene to their own children.

Because cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, it runs in families, so family history is a risk factor. Although CF occurs in all races, it's most common in white people of Northern European ancestry.

Complications of cystic fibrosis can affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as other organs.

If you or your partner has close relatives with cystic fibrosis, you both may choose to have genetic testing before having children. The test, which is performed in a lab on a sample of blood, can help determine your risk of having a child with CF.

If you're already pregnant and the genetic test shows that your baby may be at risk of cystic fibrosis, your doctor can conduct additional tests on your developing child.

Genetic testing isn't for everyone. Before you decide to be tested, you should talk to a genetic counselor about the psychological impact the test results might carry.

Feb. 04, 2020

Read more from the original source:

Cystic fibrosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic