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Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe.

 

More than 30,000 children and adults in the United States have CF (70,000 worldwide). 

People with CF inherit two copies of a defective gene -- one copy from each parent -- that produces a faulty protein, causing a buildup of thick mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. 

When mucus clogs the lungs, it can become very difficult for a person to breathe. The thick mucus also allows for germs to thrive and multiply, which can result in infections and inflammation and often leads to severe lung damage and respiratory failure. Respiratory problems are the most serious and persistent complication for people with CF.

Cystic fibrosis causes changes in many parts of the body, including the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, reproductive system and sweat glands. In the pancreas, the buildup of mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body break down food and absorb important nutrients. People with CF often have malnutrition and poor growth.The thick mucus can also block the bile duct in the liver and, in some people with CF, can cause liver disease.

For more information, visit: 

https://www.cff.org

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