About Cystic Fibrosis (CF)
What is cystic fibrosis?
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
How common is cystic fibrosis?
Is there a cure for cystic fibrosis?
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a very complicated disease. One defective gene results in the production of abnormally thick mucus, which leads to increased pulmonary infections and damage to the lung. The pancreas and reproductive tract are also affected.
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What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Since cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, symptoms in babies include problems with feeding, diarrhea and growth lag. Babies with CF also have a high incidence of colic and severe respiratory infections.
If you suspect that your infant may have CF, consult with your primary care physician about testing.
Undiagnosed cystic fibrosis manifests as a variety of symptoms. Most commonly, people come for testing in their 20s and 30s with a history of respiratory problems and chronic sinusitis. They may also have chronic digestive problems, abdominal pains or infertility. In later life, most develop clubbing of fingers and toes. An accurate diagnosis leads to appropriate treatment and safeguards against potential complications.
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Who gets cystic fibrosis and how common is it?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life-limiting genetic disorder in caucasians, affecting approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Fortunately, CF is still quite rare. One in 2,500 adults has cystic fibrosis, while 1 in 25 are carriers for the gene.
In 1989, researchers discovered and cloned the gene for CF. As a result, a great deal more is known about the causes of the disease, and an explosion of new therapies has occurred. The median life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis has increased dramatically from 7 to 31 years old, while individuals with mild forms of CF and live much longer.
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Is there a cure for cystic fibrosis?
Although as yet there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, new therapies are available that can extend life and improve the quality of life.
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This information has been approved by Jerry Nick, M.D. (March, 2006).
