Liver Disease in Cystic Fibrosis

With Cystic Fibrosis (CF), liver disease may occur for some people.

Regular testing for liver disease is important to find early changes and improve treatment options. There is a large range of presentations in CF liver disease.

People with CF liver disease may have portal hypertension. Portal hypertension is a term used to describe raised blood pressure in the portal venous system (a major vein that leads to the liver). Portal hypertension can cause other problems which may affect some parts of physiotherapy care. We do not know much about the effects of physiotherapy in people with CF liver disease. However, it is important you work together with your physiotherapist and health care team if you are starting any new airway clearance techniques or physical activity and exercise. They will take your liver disease into consideration when they create your airway and exercise plan. Contact sports may not be suitable for you, make sure you discuss this with your treating doctor if you are thinking of starting a contact sport.

If you are seeing a physiotherapist or another health care professional (or for example an exercise trainer) and starting any physical exercise/training, let them know if you have CF and if you have liver disease. They will need to be aware of this and adjust your exercise program to suit your health needs.