What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system.  It is an inherited chronic disease that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. 

CF affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices.  These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.  But in CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky.  Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.  The clogging of the lungs with the sticky mucus will result in lung infections requiring a lifetime of antibiotics.  Additionally, the mucus will obstruct the pancreas and stops natural enzymes for helping the body break down and absorb food. 

CF is most common in white people of Northern European ancestry, but also occurs in Hispanics, African-Americans and some Native Americans.  It is rare in people of Asian and Middle Eastern origin.

Although CF requires daily care, most people with the condition are able to attend school and work, and have a better quality of life than in previous decades.  Recent improvement in screening and treatments mean most people with CF now live into their 20’s and 30’s, and some are living into their 40’s and 50’s. When someone with CF develops severe lung disease, the CF care team may discuss the option of lung transplantation with the person. 

Kelly Rhodes-Wever has severe lung disease (see her Bio). Her CF care team has begun discussing lung transplantation in the very near future.  Please join the Team Breathe Deep for her support.    

For more information on CF, visit http://www.cff.org