{"id":719,"date":"2024-05-01T16:00:09","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T16:00:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.chiesimedical.co.uk\/patient\/?page_id=719"},"modified":"2024-10-15T14:53:10","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T14:53:10","slug":"cystic-fibrosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.chiesimedical.co.uk\/patient\/therapy-areas\/respiratory\/cystic-fibrosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Cystic Fibrosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Asthma<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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COPD<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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Cystic Fibrosis<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n \n
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Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis<\/h2>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cystic fibrosis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs, the digestive system and many other organs.1<\/sup> It results in the overproduction and build-up of thick, sticky mucus, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms that affect the entire body.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The number and severity of these symptoms can vary dramatically. This means two individuals with cystic fibrosis can have very different experiences of the challenges it brings.2<\/sup> Some common signs and symptoms include:2\u20137<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Very salty tasting skin<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Persistent coughing<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Wheezing or shortness of breath<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Frequent lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Poor growth or weight gain<\/p>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Frequent greasy, bulky stools and difficulty with bowel movements<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation of the CFTR <\/em>gene known as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator \u2018CFTR\u2019.8<\/sup> In the UK, all newborn babies are screened for cystic fibrosis as part of the blood spot test (heel prick test) carried out shortly after they are born.3,9<\/sup> If the screening test suggests a child may have cystic fibrosis, additional tests, such as a sweat test and a genetic test, are carried out to confirm whether they have the condition.3<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cystic fibrosis is classed as a rare disease.9,10<\/sup> In the UK, approximately 1 in every 2500 babies are born with the condition each year, and approximately 11,148 people are currently living with cystic fibrosis.8\u201310<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Life expectancy for patients with cystic fibrosis has increased over the past 15 years and approximately 50% of people born today are expected to live to at least 56.1 years of age.*8<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n

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*This has been predicted using a mathematical formula that predicts how long we expect half of the people with cystic fibrosis born today will live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Further support and resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Across the UK, there are numerous cystic fibrosis charities and organisations supporting individuals and families, and providing resources, raising awareness and fundraising to support vital research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For resources to support you with managing your condition:<\/p>\n\n\n\n