What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
(CF) is an inherited disease caused by
a change (mutation) in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR)
. It is a chronic, progressive disease that causes
to become thick and sticky. The mucus builds up
and clogs passages in many of the body's organs, but mostly in the
. In the lungs, the mucus can cause serious breathing
problems and lung disease. In the pancreas, the mucus can cause digestive
problems and malnutrition, which can lead to problems with growth and
development.
Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed during
childhood. On average, people who have cystic fibrosis live into their mid- to
late 30s, although new treatments are making it possible for some people to
live into their 40s and longer.