What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a  disorder which affects the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems which comes genetically

People with CF produce thick, sticky mucus that can clog their airways, leading to respiratory problems such as chronic lung infections and difficulty breathing. The mucus can also block the ducts in the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the small intestine and causing digestive problems. CF can also cause infertility in men.

Symptoms of CF vary widely but may include persistent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and frequent lung infections. Other symptoms may include poor weight gain, foul-smelling stools, and problems with bowel movements.

There is no cure for CF for now, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may include medications to thin the mucus, antibiotics to treat infections, and airway clearance techniques to help remove mucus from the lungs. Some people with CF may also benefit from nutritional support, such as high-calorie supplements, and may need to take enzymes to help with digestion.

Depending on how severe the condition is, there are different indications and symptoms of cystic fibrosis. As time goes on, symptoms can get better or get worse, even in the same person. Some people might not start showing symptoms until they are teenagers or adults. Adult patients typically have milder diseases and are more prone to experience unusual symptoms such as infertility, recurrent pneumonia, and pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis).

Sweat contains more salt than usual in people with cystic fibrosis. When kissing their kids, parents frequently taste the salt in their mouths. Most additional CF symptoms have an impact on the digestive and respiratory systems.