Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that affects the lung, airways, and digestive systems. It causes the body to make thick and sticky mucus. This can cause problems with breathing and digestion.
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A child with CF has faulty genes from each parent. Parents who have the gene, but do not have CF, are called carriers.
This problem is more common in people with:
Common problems are:
This problem is diagnosed based on symptoms, family history, or a positive screening test in newborns. It can be confirmed with genetic testing. Other lab tests that may be done are:
There is no cure. It can be managed by:
Choices are:
Dietary changes will need to be made to improve nutrition. This can be done with:
Thick mucus raises the risk of severe infections. Antibiotics will be used to help treat and prevent them. Yearly flu shots should also be given.
Medicines help keep the airways clear. Choices are:
Other things that may help clear the airways include:
People with severe breathing problems may need oxygen therapy or ventilation.
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
http://www.cff.org
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
The Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca
About cystic fibrosis: what you need to know. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website. Available at:
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Accessed May 1, 2020.
Cystic fibrosis. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chronic/Pages/Cystic-Fibrosis.aspx. Updated November 21, 2015. Accessed May 1, 2020.
Cystic fibrosis (CF). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cystic-fibrosis-cf . Updated April 13, 2020. Accessed May 1, 2020.
Elborn JS. Cystic fibrosis. Lancet. 2016 Nov 19;388(10059):2519-2531.
Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 05/01/2020