Скачать или смотреть Cystic Fibrosis Explained

Did you know that cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system? Let’s take a quick look at what CF is and how it impacts the body.

Cystic fibrosis causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus instead of thin, slippery mucus. In the lungs, this mucus can clog the airways, making it harder to breathe and leading to frequent infections. In the digestive system, the thick mucus blocks enzymes from reaching the intestines, making it harder to break down food and absorb nutrients. This can lead to malnutrition and other digestive issues.

CF is an inherited condition, meaning it’s passed down through families, and it’s caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Both parents must carry the gene for their child to have CF.

While there’s no cure yet, treatments have come a long way. Medications and airway clearance techniques help keep the airways clear, enzyme supplements aid in digestion, and new therapies target the genetic root of the disease, improving life expectancy.