Cystic Fibrosis effects approximately 30,000 adults and children in the U.S.A. World wide it effects an estimated 70,000 people.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. The gene must be inherited from both parents for the child to have cystic fibrosis. This condition causes mucus in the body to become thick and glue like. This mucus builds up and causes problems in many of the body's organs by clogging the lungs and can lead to life-threatening lung infections. The mucus obstructs the pancreas and blocks the natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis and the disease worsens over time. Those who have cystic fibrosis may have serious problems with breathing and lung disease. They can also have problems with nutrition, digestion, development, and Growth.

The life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis has been improving over the past 40 years. Generally, people who have cystic fibrosis live into their mid-to-late 30s, however new treatments are making it possible for some to live into their 40s.

How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?

In the United States, several states routinely screen newborn babies for cystic fibrosis. If a child has a positive newborn screening test or symptoms of cystic fibrosis, the doctor will order a test to see how much salt is in the child's sweat. People with cystic fibrosis have a salt level in their sweat that is much higher than normal. Usually two abnormal sweat tests confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

What are the symptoms?
Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed at an very young age. Although the symptoms varies , some common symptoms include:
Breathing problems, lung infections, a cough that does not go away, and wheezing.
Growths in the nose or sinuses.
A blocked small intestine at birth.
very salty skin.
Diarrhea or frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
persistent coughing, at times with phlegm.
poor growth/weight gain.
clubbing (flattening ) of the fingers.

Treatment:

A cure has not been found for cystic fibrosis, but there are treatments that can help people who have cystic fibrosis live longer and better. The types of treatment used depend on the kinds of symptoms the cystic fibrosis is causing and how the body responds/or reacts to different types of treatment. Many people combine medicines and treatment methods (including respiratory and nutritional therapies), and other care to manage the symptoms.

On going research to find a cure for this disease and better treatments, offer much hope to those who suffer with cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a great resource for more information on the advances being made. The Foundation contact information is listed below.

Toll free: (800) FIGHT CF (344-4823) or info@cff.org Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (national headquarters)
6931 Arlington Road
Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Learn more about this author, Jamie Myles.
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