Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. The body produces thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) can be life-threatening, and people with the condition tend to have a shorter-than-normal life span.

Sixty years ago, many children with CF died before reaching elementary school age. However, advances in treatment mean that people with CF often live into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.

There is currently no cure for CF. It affects some 30,000 people in the United States with around 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

Of these new diagnoses, 75 percent are made in children under the age of 2 years.

Fast facts on cystic fibrosis

Here are some key points about cystic fibrosis. More detail is in the main article.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves the production of mucus that is much thicker and more sticky than usual. It mainly affects the lungs and digestive system. CF is a hereditary condition that occurs in a child when both parents have the defective gene. All newborns in the U.S. are screened for CF. There is no cure, but good nutrition and taking steps to thin mucus and improve mucus expectoration can help.

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