Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system, also called mucoviscidosis.  The main symptoms are the production of excessively thick and sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive tract, and a high level of salt in secreted mucus and sweat.  There is frequent coughing, wheezing, and respiratory infections, unusual or delayed bowl movements or bowl obstruction , salty tasting skin, and delayed growth.  There is currently no cure, but treatment includes dietary supplements and digestive enzymes to improve nutritional status, antibiotics to prevent lung infections, and medications and treatments to reduce the thick mucus that clogs the lungs.  Patients with severe symptoms are often referred for lung transplants.  The CF gene is more common in northern European populations than in Asian, Hispanic, and African populations.