Cystic Fibrosis Definition

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic condition that may be fatal. Many children are born with this condition as it is inherited. More Caucasian people of European descent are affected by this than are other races. Fortunately, the lifespan of individuals with Cystic Fibrosis has increased dramatically in recent years.

Organs Affected

Cystic Fibrosis primarily affects the pancreas and the lungs, but it also severely affects the entire digestive and intestinal system, along with male fertility and the sweat glands.

Cellular Affects

With this disease, the movement of salt and water in and out of cells is dysfunctional.

Blocked Passageways

Due to the cellular dysfunction, the body's passageways become blocked by thick mucus secreted by the lungs and pancreas.

Infection

Infections occur frequently in people with Cystic Fibrosis. The blockages that build up create many opportunities for this primarily because the digestive system has difficulty functioning properly.

Average Lifespan

Due to medical advances, life expectancy rates have risen incredibly as children were not previously expected to live past the toddler age. Now those with this deadly disease are surviving all the way up to the average age of about 40 years old.

Resources

• Web MD: Cystic Fibrosis