about cystic fibrosis

.what is CF?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. CF is a multi-organ disease, primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. A build-up of thick mucus in the lungs causes severe breathing problems. It may be difficult to clear bacteria from the lungs, leading to cycles of infection and inflammation, which damage the delicate lung tissues.

Thick mucus also blocks the ducts of the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food. People with CF must consume a large amount of artificial enzymes (average 20 pills a day) with every meal and snack, to help digest and absorb adequate nutrition from food.

.is there a cure?

As yet, there is no known cure for CF, but there is real hope. Comprehensive treatment programs have dramatically extended the life expectancy of persons with CF and many are living into their 20s, 30s and beyond.

Recent years have seen remarkable progress in CF research. Since 1989 when Canadian researchers discovered the gene responsible for CF, global research to find a cure for the disease has brought us closer and closer to a solution.

The astonishing pace of CF science suggests that there is good reason to feel optimistic about the future.

information courtesy of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation