Causes. Cystic fibrosis is an
inherited disease caused by mutations in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene
. The CFTR gene provides instructions for the CFTR protein.
Where is cystic fibrosis most common?
The cystic fibrosis gene is most common in
Caucasians of northern European descent
. The disease occurs most frequently in these people, but can occur in any ethnic population.
How does a person get cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with CF have
inherited two copies of the defective CF gene — one copy from each parent
. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene. People with only one copy of the defective CF gene are called carriers, but they do not have the disease.
Who is at risk for cystic fibrosis?
Because cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, it runs in families, so
family history
is a risk factor. Although CF occurs in all races, it’s most common in white people of Northern European ancestry.
Is cystic fibrosis something you are born with?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition affecting more than 10,600 people in the UK. You are
born with CF
and cannot catch it later in life, but one in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.
What is the oldest someone has lived with cystic fibrosis?
The oldest person diagnosed with CF for the first time in the U.S. was
82
, in Ireland was 76, and in the United Kingdom was 79.
Can CF go away?
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis
, but treatment can ease symptoms, reduce complications and improve quality of life. Close monitoring and early, aggressive intervention is recommended to slow the progression of CF , which can lead to a longer life.
At what age is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?
Most children are now screened for CF at birth through newborn screening and the majority are diagnosed
by age 2
. However, some people with CF are diagnosed as adults. A doctor who sees the symptoms of CF will order a sweat test and a genetic test to confirm the diagnosis.
Can you kiss someone with cystic fibrosis?
Don’t shake hands
with or kiss the cheeks of other people with cystic fibrosis.
What is the average lifespan of someone with cystic fibrosis?
Many young adults with CF finish college or find jobs. Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is
about 44 years
. Death is most often caused by lung complications.
Can you get cystic fibrosis later in life?
As with other genetic conditions,
cystic fibrosis will have been present since birth, even if it is diagnosed later in life
. One in 25 people carry the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis. To have cystic fibrosis, both parents must be carriers of the faulty cystic fibrosis gene.
What does a cystic fibrosis cough sound like?
Wheezing
is a sign that a person has trouble breathing normally or “catching their breath.” Other lung sounds that people with CF sometimes make include crackling, rattling or bubbling sound (also known as rales), and stridor, which is a harsh squeak that happens with each breath.
What are the main symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
- recurring chest infections.
- wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways (bronchiectasis)
- difficulty putting on weight and growing.
- yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- diarrhoea, constipation, or large, smelly poo.
Is cystic fibrosis a disability?
If you are unable to work while living with cystic fibrosis and need financial help, you may
qualify for disability benefits
. The U.S. government offers disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Can a child with cystic fibrosis live a normal life?
Living with cystic fibrosis varies, as each person’s body may experience different symptoms and side effects. The typical life expectancy for someone with CF
is mid-30s
. As treatments have improved over the years, patients with CF are now living into their 40s and beyond.
Can you live 10 years with IPF?
There’s no cure for IPF
. For most people, symptoms don’t get better, but treatments can slow the damage to your lungs. Everyone’s outlook is different. Some people will get worse quickly, while others can live 10 years or more after diagnosis.
