Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. There are close to 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the United States.
In people with CF, mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride — a component of salt — to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky.
• More than 75 percent of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2.
• Approximately 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year.
• More than half of the CF population is age 18 or older.
• More than 75 percent of people with CF are diagnosed by age 2.
• Approximately 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed each year.
• More than half of the CF population is age 18 or older.