Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disorder that affects the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. It is caused by a faulty gene, meaning that it is passed down from parents to children. CF is characterized by abnormally thick and sticky mucus that clogs and damages organs. Common symptoms of CF include breathlessness, salty-tasting skin, frequent lung infections and poor weight gain. Treatment for CF includes medications, airway clearance techniques, physical therapy and possibly lung transplant. With advances in medical science, life expectancy for people living with CF has drastically improved.