Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that: clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body to break down and absorb food. People with CF tend to have a lot of sinus problems.

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms including:

• very salty-tasting skin,
• persistent coughing (at times with phlegm),
• frequent lung infections,
• wheezing,
• shortness of breath,
• poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite,
• frequent greasy bulky stools,
• difficulty in bowel movements,
• sinus issues. (Read More)