Symptoms of cystic fibrosis tend to start in early childhood, although they can sometimes develop very soon after birth, or may not be obvious until adulthood. Some of the main symptoms of cystic fibrosis can include: recurring chest infections difficulty putting on weight frequent, wet-sounding coughs diarrhoea occasional wheezing and shortness of breath People with the condition can also develop a number of related conditions, including diabetes, thin, weakened bones (osteoporosis) and liver problems.