Cystic Fibrosis is a genetically inherited disease that causes the continual build up of a thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive tract.

All healthy lungs produce mucus, as a defense mechanism that protects the airways from bacteria and makes easy breathing possible. For a cystic fibrosis sufferer however the mucus that their bodies produce is too thick and clogs up not only the lungs but also the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and reproductive organs.

The result is that many areas of the body not only become a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria but also vital bodily functions can become impaired, opening up the potential for all kinds of health problems for those afflicted with the disease. For instance a common problem for cystic fibrosis patients is pancreatic obstruction, which makes the successful absorption of food and nutrients extremely difficult, resulting in weight loss and a lack of normal growth.

Cystic Fibrosis is as previously mentioned, a genetic disease. A person may however carry the cystic fibrosis gene and be perfectly healthy. To be born with cystic fibrosis a child must inherit the gene from both parents, which triggers its onset. Most people have no idea that they, or their partner carry the gene so are unaware of the risk to any children they may conceive.

Current figures indicate that there are more than 30,000 children and young adults living with cystic fibrosis on a daily basis in the United States alone. Although the disease is present from birth, it is not always immediately apparent and it may be some time before a definitive diagnosis is made.

Fifty years ago children who were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis were rarely expected to live long enough to attend elementary school. Massive leaps in both the understanding of the disease and methods for treatment have meant that patients are living into their 30’s, 40’s and beyond. But there is still no cure for the disease.

One of the most important things for a cystic fibrosis patient is airway maintenance; that is the removal of as much excess mucus as possible to keep the airways open and ease breathing, as well as to reduce the chance of bacterial lung infections. This is achieved by body positioning, suction techniques and these days by the use of various inhaled medications. Diet and nutrition must be carefully monitored and adjusted on a regular basis to ensure that the sufferer is getting as much nutrition as possible.

Research into the treatment of the disease is still very aggressive and new therapies, including gene modification and the creation of more efficient drug therapies are on the horizon, giving hope to cystic fibrosis patients that they may be able to live a life as long as their healthy counterparts.