Cystic Fibrosis Links

Here are links (at right) to our favorite organizations and websites that are helping change and enhance the lives of CF patients.

What is CF?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects 30,000 people in the United States. A faulty gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky mucus that can clog the lungs leading to recurring lung infections. The thick mucus also clogs the pancreas which makes the body unable to absorb food because it stands in the way of natural enzyme production which breaks down and digests food.

Some typical symptoms include:

• Very salty skin
• A productive cough
• Recurring lung infections
• Poor weight gain along with greasy bulky stools
• A great appetite

The median age of survival for a person living with cystic fibrosis is 37 years old.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is heading roughly 30 clinical trials for new treatments. Some of these treatments include inhaled antibiotics that target psuedemonas arguenosa, enzyme therapy, updated treatment for lung transplant recipients and most exciting a pill that could help the CF protein function better which would help alleviate the initial symptoms of cystic fibrosis. These treatments could change the face of CF forever and offer new hope to patients with cystic fibrosis.