CYSTIC FIBROSIS

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

{mosgoogle}Cystic Fibrosis is an genetic disease that is caused by a faulty gene. It is the UK's most common life threatening  inherited condition affecting more than 7500 children and adults.  Cystic Fibrosis affects a number of organs in the body (especially the lungs and pancreas) by clogging them with thick, sticky mucus.

Symptom of Cystic Fibrosis can include:

• Troublesome Cough
• Repeated Chest Infections
• Prolonged Diarrhoea
• Poor Weight Gain

It is common for the lungs to be affected and a combination of physiotherapy and medication can help control lung infections and prevent lung damage.  The pancreas can also be affected making it difficult to digest food, this can lead to poor growth and physical weakness.

Although there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, they have discovered the faulty gene and are continually working at ways to replace or repair it.  The outlook for people with CF is getting better and people have far greater life expectancy than ever before.