What is Cystic Fibrosis

Most people are unaware of what Cystic Fibrosis is and what it's all about. I know Brandon and I had no clue when Faith was diagnosed. There is a lot of false information out there so do not believe everything you read. If you are interested in learning more I have a ton of trusted websites I can give you.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common, fatal genetic disease. CF is a multi-organ disease affecting primarily the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, CF causes severe breathing problems. A build-up of thick mucus makes it difficult to clear bacteria and leads to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage the delicate lung tissues. Patients must follow a demanding daily routine of physical therapy to keep the lungs free of congestion and infection.

In the digestive tract, CF makes it extremely difficult to digest and absorb adequate nutrients from food. Thick mucus blocks the ducts of the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food. Therefore, persons with CF must consume a large number of artificial enzymes (on average 20 pills a day) with every meal and snack, to help them absorb adequate nutrition from their food.

Cystic Fibrosis Facts

• Is the most common, fatal genetic disease
• Is a multi-organ disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system
• Causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that:
  • blocks airways
  • can lead to fatal lung infections
  • blocks ducts of the pancreas
  • prevents enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food
• Is not contagious
• Is caused by a mutation, or defect, in the Cftr gene
• Currently there is no cure for CF, but there is real hope

The symptoms and severity of CF vary from person to person. Some people with CF have serious lung and digestive problems. Other people have more mild disease that doesn't show up until they are adolescents or young adults.

Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death in people with CF. Until the 1980s, most deaths from CF occurred in children and teenagers. Today, with improved treatments, people with CF live, on average, to be more than 35 years old.