What is Cystic Fibrosis?

• Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a defective gene which causes a thick, sticky mucus. It builds up in the lungs and pancreas (the organ that helps to break-down food.) Cystic Fibrosis results in life-threatening lung infections and digestive problems. Symptoms are varied, but the most common are: No bowel movements in first 24 - 48 hours of life (baby!) Stools that are pale or clay colored, foul smelling or float. Infants can have salty tasting skin. Recurrent respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or sinusitis. Coughing/wheezing. Weight loss or can't gain weight normally in childhood. Diarrhea, delayed growth and fatigue.

• I HAVE CYSTIC FIBROSIS: Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease occurring in about 1 in 30,000 births. The gene must be inherited from both the mother and the father. Children inheriting only one copy of the gene are carriers but do not display symptoms. Average life expectancy for CF is approx 32 years of age. There are many treatments but no cure. People with CF are at high risk of developing other conditions such as CF related Arthritis and CF related Diabetes, Liver failure and ultimately respiratory failure leading to death. Once a person with CF loses enough lung function the only other treatment is a lung transplant. I know CF because I have CF. I am 35 and on the lung transplant list.

First answer by Marcy. Last edit by Marcy. Contributor trust: 6736 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 20 [recommend question]