Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently fatal genetic (inherited) disease of the body's mucus glands. CF primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. The sweat glands and the reproductive system are also usually involved. A defective gene and it's protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. On average, individuals with CF have a lifespan of approximately mid-thirties.
CF-like disease has been known for over two centuries. The name, cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, was first applied to the disease in 1938.
Cystic Fibrosis can also have related complications such as complications with the kidneys, liver, etc. There is also a complication called CFRD or Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes. CF causes frequent infections that can be sinus infections, lung infections, etc.Some Facts about Cystic Fibrosis:
- affects about 30,000 in the US (70,000 worldwide)
- about 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year
- about 70% of CF patients are diagnosed by age 2
- great advances in treatment have been made thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and their funding of research.
For more information about Cystic Fibrosis please visit http://www.cff.org/
