According to an article published by James McIntosh, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects not only the lungs of the respiratory system but also the digestive system. When an individual has cystic fibrosis, their body produces excess mucus that is thicker and stickier resulting in the blockage or clogging of lungs and this leads to inflammations, infections, respiratory failure and other health complications. Other organs that can get affected include the bile duct, liver, and pancreas. This disease causes persistent coughing, shortness of breath, poor weigh gain and wheezing.

There are various treatments for CF even though it is incurable. The first method is Airway clearance which is a method used to help loosen and remove the mucus build up in lungs. McIntosh explains that an example of this method would be postural drainage and percussion. Other treatments include implanted deices, CF Transmembrane conductance regulator modulators and nutritional therapy that help with the other organs affected by CF.

Current research shows that the life expectancy for people with CF is 41 years and now all children born in the United States are scanned for cystic fibrosis. Also, there are over 1000 people diagnosed with CF each year with over half being people 18 and older.

References:

McIntosh, J. (2018, January 11). Cystic fibrosis: Symptoms, causes, and management. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147960