Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease passed down from the parents to a child, in which case both parents are carriers the odds are one in four of their children will manifest symptoms of cystic fibrosis. This chronic inherited disease is a progressive one in which the body’s mucus glands produce a thick, sticky mucus that causes severe respiratory problems and digestive disorders. Cystic fibrosis is often fatal to those afflicted, although with modern medical advances the lifespan is up to about 30 years of age for the average patient.

When the body produces copious amounts of thick and sticky mucus, this mucus interferes with the normal body processes in the pancreas, digestive system and reproductive system. It typically wreaks all kinds of havoc on the lungs and sweat glands as well. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis are problems such as persistent coughing and wheezing, frequent pneumonia, hungry all the time yet never gaining weight, to name just a few. People who are carriers of the cystic fibrosis traits are not necessarily affected by the disease itself.

When both parents are carriers of cystic fibrosis genes, the chances of having a child who actually has the disease increases to one in four. It is important that this disease be diagnosed as early as possible so that appropriate treatment can begin. Proper treatment can lessen the severity of many symptoms and preventative measures can help the body’s functions. Even with treatment, cystic fibrosis is a complication ridden disease that often shortens a patient’s life span. However, new and improved treatments are on the horizon in hopes of improving both the quality of life of those afflicted with cystic fibrosis as well as the overall longevity of life. When parents learn their child has cystic fibrosis, there are many resources and connections with other parents they can contact for information and support in order to not deal with the disease alone. With proper care, the child can live a fulfilling life.