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Cystic fibrosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Clubbing
Clubbing
Postural drainage
Postural drainage
Clubbed fingers
Clubbed fingers
Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis

Definition    Return to top

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. It is one of the most common type of chronic lung disease in children and young adults, and may result in early death.

Causes    Return to top

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene which tells the body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and the pancreas, the organ that helps to break down and absorb food.

This collection of sticky mucus results in life-threatening lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man's reproductive system.

Millions of Americans carry the defective CF gene, but do not have any symptoms. That's because a person with CF must inherit two defective CF genes -- one from each parent. An estimated 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. The disease is the most common, deadly, inherited disorder affecting Caucasians in the United States. It's more common among those of Northern or Central European descent.

Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2. A small number, however, are not diagnosed until age 18 or older. These patients usually have a milder form of the disease.

Symptoms    Return to top

Because there are more than 1,000 mutations of the CF gene, symptoms differ from person to person. But in general they include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

A blood test is available to help detect CF. The test looks for variations in a gene known to cause the disease. Other tests use to diagnose CF include:

Other tests that identify problems that can be related to cystic fibrosis include:

Treatment    Return to top

An early diagnosis of CF and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve both survival and quality of life. Specialty clinics for cystic fibrosis may be helpful and can be found in many communities.

Treatment for lung problems includes:

Treatment for intestinal and nutritional problems may include:

Support Groups    Return to top

For additional information and resources, see: Cystic fibrosis support group

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Today, the average life span for persons with CF who live to adulthood is approximately 35 years, a dramatic increase over the last three decades.

Death is usually caused by lung complications.

Possible Complications    Return to top

The most common complications are chronic respiratory infections.

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if an infant or child has symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

Call your health care provider if a person with cystic fibrosis develops new symptoms, particularly severe breathing difficulty or coughing up blood.

Prevention    Return to top

There is no way to prevent cystic fibrosis. Screening those with a family history of the disease may detect the cystic fibrosis gene in 60 - 90% of carriers, depending on the test used.

References    Return to top

Farrell PM, Rosenstein BJ, White TB, et al. Guidelines for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in newborns through older adults: Cystic fibrosis consensus report. Journal of Pediatrics. Aug 2008;153(2).

Stallings VA, Stark LF, Robinson KA, Feranchak AP, Quinton H. Evidence-based practice recommendations for nutrition-related management of children and adults with cystic fibrosis and pancreatic insufficiency: Results of a systematic review. Journal of the American Dietetic Association. May 2008;108(5).

Boat TF, Acton JD. Cystic fibrosis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 400.

Update Date: 2/5/2009

Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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