What are some of the complications associated with cystic fibrosis?
People with cystic fibrosis can experience complications in the pancreas, liver, and intestines that can lead to malnutrition, constipation, liver disease, CF-related diabetes, and other digestive issues — including abdominal pain and poor appetite.
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Symptoms may include: Thick mucus that clogs certain organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing problems, and chronic lung disease. Many other medical problems can point to cystic fibrosis, as well. These include: Clubbing of fingers and toes.
What are the treatments for cystic fibrosis ( CF )?
If you or your child have been diagnosed with CF, you can find a CF Care Center near you . for CF focus on improving breathing and digestion, preventing and treating infections, and thinning mucus. Treatments include medicines, therapy to clear mucus out of the lungs, and in some cases, lung transplant.
How many people are affected by cystic fibrosis in the US?
Learn more about steps to take for people with cystic fibrosis and those who have had lung or other solid organ transplants. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that causes problems with breathing and digestion. CF affects about 35,000 people in the United States. People with CF have mucus that is too thick and sticky, which
Can a person with cystic fibrosis have liver damage?
This can be a minor problem for most people with cystic fibrosis. However, occasionally the inflammation leads to permanent damage in the ducts that in turn leads to scarring and problems with the normal functioning of the liver. It is not known why some people develop CF-related liver damage and others do not.
How does cystic fibrosis affect the person who has it?
Most of the other signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis affect the respiratory system and digestive system. However, adults diagnosed with cystic fibrosis are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as recurring bouts of inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), infertility and recurring pneumonia.
What are some interesting facts about cystic fibrosis?
8 Interesting Facts About Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis [CF] is a genetic disorder. It primarily affects the digestive and respiratory systems of those who have it. CF develops because of a defective gene that is on Chromosome 7 and it stops salt moving in and out of cells effectively. The result is an increased production of mucus and this clogs the airways and digestive systems.
What is life expectancy with CF?
In some cases, CF can be a mild disease. But in most people with CF, it poses a serious risk to a person’s health. The average lifespan of a person with CF is 37 years. Those with a milder form can live into their 50s.
Is cystic fibrosis a disease that you are born with?
Cystic fibrosis is classically a disease of childhood that progresses into adulthood. If you have a genetic defect related to cystic fibrosis (CF), you are more likely to be born with cystic fibrosis. The symptoms might appear later, and hence, the age at diagnosis varies widely. Earlier cystic fibrosis used to be diagnosed only after the appearance of its signs and symptoms.