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.
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; and frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements, sinus issues.
Most people are diagnosed with CF at birth or before age two. A doctor who sees signs and symptoms will order either a sweat test or a genetic test to confirm the diagnosis. A sweat test is the most common test used to diagnose cystic fibrosis. A small electrode is placed on the skin (usually on the arm) to stimulate the sweat glands. Sweat is then collected and the amount of chloride, a component of salt in the sweat, is measured. In a genetic test, a blood sample or cells from the inside of the cheek is taken and sent to a laboratory to see if any of the various mutations of the CF gene are found. A genetic test is often used if the results from a sweat test are unclear.