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What part of the lungs does cystic fibrosis affect?
This first affects the small airways in the lungs. Over time, it can affect all airways. Children with CF may have lung infections. This is because bacteria that are normally cleared from the lungs stay in the thickened mucus.
What happens to a person’s lungs when they have cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes thickened mucus to form in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, this mucus blocks the airways, creating lung damage and making it hard to breathe.
What organs are most affected by cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis causes mucus to become thick and sticky, which can block the normal function of the organs. Most often, the lungs and pancreas are affected.

Where does mucus build up in cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic (inherited) disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in organs, including the lungs and the pancreas. In people who have CF, thick mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult to breathe.
What are two symptoms of cystic fibrosis?

Symptoms of CF
- Very salty-tasting skin.
- Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm.
- Frequent lung infections including pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. or bronchitis.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a good appetite.
How long do people with CF live?
Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is about 44 years. Death is most often caused by lung complications.
What is the life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis?
What symptoms result from cystic fibrosis?
Persistent coughing, at times with phlegm. Frequent lung infections including pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. or bronchitis. Wheezing or shortness of breath. Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a good appetite.
Is it obvious if you have cystic fibrosis?
Symptoms tend to start in early childhood, but sometimes they can develop soon after birth and very occasionally they may not be obvious until adulthood. Nowadays, cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed before symptoms appear, through screening tests carried out soon after birth.
What is the oldest living cystic fibrosis patient?
Thanks to advances in DNA testing, doctors are identifying more and more people with CF for the first time well into their 50s, 60s, and 70s. The oldest person diagnosed with CF for the first time in the U.S. was 82, in Ireland was 76, and in the United Kingdom was 79.
Who is the oldest person alive with cystic fibrosis?
Persistence, resilience, and strength of character can overcome many obstacles in life. Marlene Pryson, 86, probably one of the oldest individuals living with cystic fibrosis, certainly possesses all of these characteristics.
What are some interesting facts about cystic fibrosis?
a persistent cough;
Who is the longest living person with cystic fibrosis?
The oldest person with cystic fibrosis was 82 years of age, and an American citizen. He or she was still alive in 2014 at the time of a published article in which they are mentioned. Though it’s not likely that they are still alive seven years later, this person is the oldest known cystic fibrosis patient to have achieved the average person’s life expectancy (and then some)!
What diseases are associated with cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that is associated with abnormal sweat electrolytes, sino-pulmonary disease, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and male infertility. Insights into genotype/phenotype relations have recently been gained in this disorder. The strongest relationship exists between …
What are the physical signs of cystic fibrosis?
Respiratory signs and symptoms. The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs.