Cystic Fibrosis

Several information about cystic fibrosis are discussed. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic (inherited) disease that affects mainly the lungs, the pancreas, and the sweat glands. Some CF patients develop serious liver disease. The abnormal CF gene changes the makeup of mucus in the airways, making it thick and sticky. The body cannot clear this thick mucus from the airways, leading to recurrent lung infections that are difficult to treat. Thick secretions also block other glands, causing them to function poorly.