Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a serious disorder that can cause severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults.

Its symptoms include:

• Belly pain from extreme constipation
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Increased coughing
• Infertility (in men)
• More sputum

Causes

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene which causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus.

Treatment

• There is no exact cure of cystic fibrosis, but treatment can be done to relieve its symptoms
• Medications including antibiotics, mucus-thinning drugs, bronchodilators, and oral pancreatic enzymes
• Chest physical therapy to make it easier for people to cough up
• Pulmonary rehabilitation to improve your lung function and overall well-being
• Surgical procedures include nasal polyp removal, oxygen therapy, endoscopy, lung transplant, feeding tube, bowel surgery etc.