Cystic Fibrosis: What You Need to Know

 

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and other organs. It causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways and makes it hard to breathe. CF also increases the risk of infections, inflammation, and damage to the lungs and other organs.

CF is caused by mutations in a gene called CFTR, which stands for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. This gene helps make a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. When the CFTR gene is mutated, the protein does not work properly, and the balance of salt and water is disrupted. This leads to the buildup of mucus in the lungs and other organs.

CF is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that both parents must carry a copy of the mutated gene for their child to have CF. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance that their child will have CF, a 50% chance that their child will be a carrier, and a 25% chance that their child will not have CF or be a carrier.

There is no cure for CF, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and complications. These include medications, chest physiotherapy, breathing exercises, nutritional supplements, enzyme replacement therapy, antibiotics, and lung transplantation. People with CF need regular check-ups and tests to monitor their lung function and overall health.

CF affects about 70,000 people worldwide, mostly in people of European descent. The average life expectancy for people with CF is about 40 years, but this varies depending on the severity of the disease and the availability of treatments. With advances in research and care, many people with CF are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.