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What is Cystic Fibrosis?

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

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What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Overview of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition affecting the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by a faulty gene that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus.

This mucus can block airways, leading to severe respiratory and digestive issues. Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong condition, requiring constant management and care.

Genetic Causes

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease, primarily linked to mutations in the CFTR gene. Both parents must carry at least one copy of the faulty gene for their child to inherit the condition.

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 25 people carries the faulty gene. However, carriers usually do not have symptoms.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary, but they often include a persistent cough, frequent lung infections, and difficulty gaining weight. Early diagnosis can improve management and outcomes.

In the UK, all newborn babies are screened for cystic fibrosis using a blood test. This allows for early intervention and treatment, which can greatly improve quality of life.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but many treatments can help manage the symptoms. Physiotherapy is often used to help clear mucus from the lungs.

Medications such as antibiotics and mucus-thinning drugs can also be prescribed. Nutritional support is important, as maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

With advances in treatment, many people with cystic fibrosis can live longer and healthier lives. Regular medical care and monitoring are essential.

Support from healthcare teams, family, and organisations can greatly aid those affected. In the UK, charities like the Cystic Fibrosis Trust provide resources and support.

Future Research and Developments

Research into cystic fibrosis continues to evolve, offering hope for new treatments and possibly a cure. Genetic therapies and precision medicine are on the horizon.

Participation in clinical trials can provide patients with access to new treatments. Collaboration between researchers and healthcare providers is crucial in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis is a serious illness you are born with that affects your lungs and tummy. It happens because of a problem with a tiny part of your body called a gene. This gene makes thick, sticky slime in the body.

This slime can block the tubes in your lungs, making it hard to breathe and digest food. People with Cystic Fibrosis have it for their whole life and need special care all the time.

Why Does It Happen?

Cystic Fibrosis is passed down from parents to children. It is mostly linked to changes in a gene called CFTR. Both parents need to have this changed gene for their children to get Cystic Fibrosis.

In the UK, about 1 in every 25 people has this changed gene, but they usually do not get sick from it.

Signs and Finding Out

Cystic Fibrosis can be different in each person, but common signs include coughing a lot, getting sick with lung infections, and finding it hard to gain weight. Finding out early can help manage the illness better.

In the UK, all newborn babies get a blood test to check for Cystic Fibrosis. This means help can start early, making life better for the child.

How Is It Treated?

There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but there are many ways to help with the symptoms. Exercises called physiotherapy help clear the slime from the lungs.

Doctors can give medicines like antibiotics and drugs to make the slime thinner. Eating well is important because keeping a healthy weight can be hard.

Living with Cystic Fibrosis

Thanks to new treatments, many people with Cystic Fibrosis are living longer and healthier lives. Seeing doctors regularly is very important.

Help from doctors, family, and charities can be really helpful. In the UK, groups like the Cystic Fibrosis Trust offer lots of support.

Looking to the Future

Scientists keep working hard to find new ways to treat Cystic Fibrosis, and maybe even find a cure one day. They are looking at new kinds of medicine and ways to fix genes.

People with Cystic Fibrosis can join studies to try new treatments. Working together, scientists and doctors hope to make things better for everyone with Cystic Fibrosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, leading to the production of thick and sticky mucus that can cause blockages and infections.

What are the causes of cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, which affects the transport of chloride and sodium ions in and out of cells.

How is cystic fibrosis inherited?

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disorder, requiring two copies of the mutated gene, one from each parent, for the disease to manifest.

What are the common symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Common symptoms include persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, wheezing, poor growth, and difficulty with bowel movements.

How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?

Cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed through newborn screening, sweat chloride tests, genetic testing, and imaging studies such as chest X-rays.

Is there a cure for cystic fibrosis?

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatments are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

What treatments are available for cystic fibrosis?

Treatments include chest physiotherapy, medications to thin mucus, antibiotics, enzyme supplements, and CFTR modulators.

How does cystic fibrosis affect the lungs?

Cystic fibrosis causes the production of thick mucus that clogs airways, leading to respiratory problems and infections.

How does cystic fibrosis impact the digestive system?

Thick mucus can block the ducts in the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines, which affects digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Can adults develop cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that is present from birth, but some individuals may not be diagnosed until adulthood due to milder symptoms.

What are the complications associated with cystic fibrosis?

Complications can include chronic lung infections, diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis, sinus problems, and infertility in males.

How does cystic fibrosis affect life expectancy?

Advances in treatment have significantly improved life expectancy, with many people with cystic fibrosis living into their 40s and beyond.

Is cystic fibrosis contagious?

Cystic fibrosis is not contagious; it is a genetic condition passed down from parents to children.

Can carrier testing be done for cystic fibrosis?

Yes, carrier testing is available for individuals considering starting a family to determine if they carry the CFTR gene mutation.

What role does nutrition play in managing cystic fibrosis?

Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining energy and body weight, as well as supporting lung function and overall health in cystic fibrosis patients.

Are there specific infections cystic fibrosis patients are more prone to?

Yes, individuals with cystic fibrosis are more susceptible to lung infections from bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

What lifestyle modifications can help manage cystic fibrosis?

Regular exercise, avoiding smoking and pollutants, staying hydrated, and practicing proper hygiene can help manage cystic fibrosis symptoms.

How does cystic fibrosis affect fertility?

Cystic fibrosis can affect fertility, especially in males where it often leads to the absence of the vas deferens, and may cause complications in females.

Are there support resources available for families affected by cystic fibrosis?

Yes, numerous support groups, foundations, and organizations offer resources, information, and community support for individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis.

What advancements are being made in cystic fibrosis research?

Research continues to focus on new medications, gene therapies, and advancements in treatment to improve the lives of individuals with cystic fibrosis.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease. It affects the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. It also affects other parts of the body.

This disease is something you are born with. It is passed down from parents.

People with cystic fibrosis have thick, sticky mucus in their bodies. This mucus can cause problems because it blocks tubes and makes it hard to breathe.

If you have cystic fibrosis, doctors and nurses can help. They can give you medicine and show you breathing exercises. These things can make you feel better.

Some tools that can help:

  • Pill boxes to keep track of medicine
  • A phone or tablet alarm to remind you to do exercises
  • Breathing exercises to practice every day

Cystic fibrosis is an illness that you inherit from your parents. It makes it hard to breathe and digest food. It makes thick and sticky mucus in your body. This can block your airways and cause infections.

Why do people get cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that you are born with. It comes from a problem in genes. Genes are like instructions for your body.

If your mom and dad each give you one bad gene for cystic fibrosis, you can get it. This is because you need two bad genes to have cystic fibrosis.

Simple ways to understand:

  • Think of genes like a recipe that tells your body how to work.
  • If the recipe has mistakes, your body might not work right. This can cause diseases.

Helpful tools:

  • Ask a doctor or nurse to tell you more about cystic fibrosis.
  • Look at picture books about how the body works.

Cystic fibrosis is a disease caused by changes in a gene called CFTR. These changes make it hard for salt and water to move in and out of cells.

How do people get cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that can be passed down from parents. This means you can be born with it if your parents have certain tiny parts in their bodies called "genes."

To have cystic fibrosis, you need to get two special genes, one from each parent. If you only get one of these genes, you won't have the disease, but you could pass it to your own children later.

If you have questions or need help, talk to your doctor. They can give you more information and support.

Cystic fibrosis is a sickness you get when you have a special kind of gene from both your parents. You need one of these genes from your mum and one from your dad to have this sickness.

What are the common signs of cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an illness you are born with. It can make it hard to breathe and affect your tummy.

Here are some common signs:

  • Lots of coughing.
  • Feeling breathless.
  • Thick and sticky mucus.
  • Getting sick often.
  • Tummy aches and runny poo.
  • Not growing properly or being underweight.

It helps to talk with a doctor if you see these signs. Use pictures and videos to learn more. Ask someone to help you understand.

Here are some common signs to look out for:

  • Coughing a lot.
  • Getting lung infections often.
  • Having trouble breathing, like wheezing.
  • Not growing well.
  • Having a hard time going to the bathroom.

It might help to use pictures or videos to learn more. You can also ask someone to read with you.

How do doctors find out if someone has cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a sickness. Doctors can find out if someone has it by doing a few different tests.

1. They can check babies when they are born to see if they might have it.

2. They can do a special sweat test to look for signs of cystic fibrosis.

3. They can do a test on your genes to check for it.

4. They can also take pictures of your chest with an X-ray to see if there is a problem.

Can cystic fibrosis be made better?

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis right now. But there are treatments that can help with the symptoms and make life better.

What help can people with cystic fibrosis get to feel better?

Cystic fibrosis is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe and digest food. There are things that can help:

  • Medicines: These help with breathing and fighting infections. You might take pills or use an inhaler.
  • Physical therapy: This is a special kind of exercise to help clear your lungs. A therapist can show you how.
  • Healthy meals: Eating the right foods can help you stay strong. A doctor can give you advice on what to eat.
  • Special machines: Some people use a special vest or device to help them breathe better.
  • Talking to doctors: Regular check-ups with your doctor can keep you healthy.

If you or someone you know has cystic fibrosis, it's important to see a doctor for help.

Treatment options are:

- Special exercises to help clear the chest.

- Medicines to make mucus thinner and easier to cough up.

- Antibiotics to fight infections.

- Supplements to help with digestion.

- Special medicines called CFTR modulators to help the body work better.

To make it easier, you can use:

- Pictures or diagrams to understand how these treatments help.

- Apps like text-to-speech to read information out loud.

- Talk to a doctor or nurse who can explain things clearly.

How does cystic fibrosis affect the lungs?

Cystic fibrosis is an illness. It makes it hard to breathe.

It makes thick, sticky mucus. This stuff can block the lungs.

If your lungs are blocked, you can cough a lot. You may also find it hard to breathe.

If you have cystic fibrosis, it is important to see a doctor. They can help you feel better.

You can use pictures and videos to help you learn more about cystic fibrosis.

There are also apps and tools that can help explain things.

Cystic fibrosis makes thick and sticky mucus. This can block the tubes in your lungs. This can make it hard to breathe and can cause infections.

What does cystic fibrosis do to the digestive system?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that can make it hard for the body to work. It can cause problems in the digestive system, which is how the body processes food.

In cystic fibrosis, thick and sticky mucus can build up in the digestive organs. This makes it hard for the body to break down food and get nutrients.

People with cystic fibrosis might need special medicine to help their digestion. Eating healthy food and staying active can also help them feel better.

It can be useful to learn more about cystic fibrosis and talk to a doctor if you have questions. They can help explain how it affects the body and what to do.

Tools like picture guides and easy books can help understand more about how the body works with cystic fibrosis.

Thick, sticky slime can block tiny tubes in the pancreas. This stops important juices from getting to the intestines. These juices help break down food so your body can use it.

Can grown-ups get cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a health problem you are born with. It comes from your genes. Sometimes, people do not know they have it until they are adults because the signs can be mild.

What problems can happen with cystic fibrosis?

You might have some health problems. These can affect your lungs, which help you breathe. You might also have problems with your blood sugar, liver, bones, nose, or having babies if you are a boy.

How does cystic fibrosis change how long people can live?

Cystic fibrosis is a condition that can make people sick. It can make it harder for them to breathe and can cause other health problems.

Many people with cystic fibrosis do not live as long as others. Doctors and nurses help them stay healthy. Medicine and treatments are getting better, so people with cystic fibrosis can live longer now than before.

If you want to learn more, you can ask a doctor, nurse, or a trusted adult for help. You can also find easy-to-read books or videos about cystic fibrosis to learn more.

New treatments are helping people with cystic fibrosis live longer. Now, many people can live into their 40s and even longer.

Can you catch cystic fibrosis from someone else?

No, you cannot catch cystic fibrosis from other people. It is something people are born with. It is a genetic condition, which means it is passed down through families.

If you have more questions, it can help to talk to a doctor or use simple videos about cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is not something you can catch from someone else. It is a condition you get from your parents.

Can you get tested to see if you carry cystic fibrosis?

Yes, you can get tested to see if you have the CFTR gene change. This helps people planning to have a baby.

How does food help people with cystic fibrosis?

Eating the right foods is very important. It helps us have energy and stay a healthy weight. Good food helps our lungs work better and keeps us healthy, especially for people with cystic fibrosis.

Do people with cystic fibrosis get more infections?

Yes, people with cystic fibrosis can get lung infections more easily. These infections can come from germs like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

What changes can help people with cystic fibrosis?

Here are some things that can help:

  • Eat healthy food.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Take your medicines on time.
  • Go to your doctor for check-ups.
  • Do breathing exercises.
  • Avoid smoking and pollution.
  • Wash your hands often to stay healthy.

If you need help, ask an adult or use tools like reminders for medicine or a calendar for appointments.

Exercise often, don't smoke, stay away from dirty air, drink lots of water, and keep clean to help with cystic fibrosis.

How does cystic fibrosis affect having children?

Cystic fibrosis is an illness that can make it hard to have children. This is called fertility.

Many boys with cystic fibrosis might have trouble making babies. This is because their body parts for making babies might not work quite right.

Girls with cystic fibrosis can also have some trouble, but many can still have babies with help.

Talking to a doctor can help you learn more and find ways to get help.

Cystic fibrosis is an illness that can make it hard to have children. It affects boys and girls differently.

In boys, it can cause a tube called the vas deferens to be missing. This tube is important for having babies.

In girls, it might cause other issues that make having babies harder.

Can families with cystic fibrosis get help?

Yes, families with cystic fibrosis can get help. Here are some ways:

  • Talk to a doctor: Doctors can give you advice and support.
  • Support groups: Join groups where you can meet other families with cystic fibrosis.
  • Online resources: Use websites that have tips and information about cystic fibrosis.
  • Books and guides: Read books that help explain cystic fibrosis.

These resources can help families feel better and learn more about cystic fibrosis.

Yes, there are many groups and organizations that can help people and families who have cystic fibrosis. They have information, support, and a community to talk to.

What new things are scientists doing to help people with cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that makes it hard to breathe.

Scientists are working on new medicines to help people breathe better.

They are also trying to find out more about cystic fibrosis.

This helps them make better treatments.

If you want to learn more, you can use things like videos or talk to a doctor.

Scientists are working on new medicines and special gene treatments. They want to help people with cystic fibrosis feel better and live better lives.

Useful Links

Useful Links : What is Cystic Fibrosis?
What is Cystic Fibrosis?

NHS overview of what cystic fibrosis is, including symptoms and causes.
Cystic Fibrosis Trust: What is CF?

Cystic Fibrosis Trust's detailed explanation of cystic fibrosis and its impact.
Managing Cystic Fibrosis

NHS guide on living with cystic fibrosis and managing the condition.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

NHS resource outlining the symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis.
Causes of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Trust information on the causes of the condition.
How is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?

NHS page detailing treatment options for cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis Research

Cystic Fibrosis Trust's research efforts towards better treatments and a cure.
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