Question 1

What is cystic fibrosis and how does it affect the body?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, affecting chloride and bicarbonate transport across epithelial cells. This leads to thick, sticky mucus buildup-primarily in the lungs, digestive tract, and reproductive organs-resulting in breathing difficulties, recurrent lung infections, malnutrition, and impaired organ function.
Source: CDC – About Cystic Fibrosis

Question 2

Can cystic fibrosis be diagnosed in adulthood?

Accepted Answer

Yes, while cystic fibrosis is typically diagnosed in infancy or early childhood, some individuals with mild symptoms may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood through genetic testing or sweat chloride testing.

Question 3

Is cystic fibrosis a genetic condition passed from parents?

Accepted Answer

Yes, cystic fibrosis is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. A person must inherit two faulty copies of the CFTR gene-one from each parent-to develop the condition.

Question 4

Are people with cystic fibrosis immunocompromised?

Accepted Answer

While not immunocompromised in the traditional sense, people with CF have chronic respiratory mucus that traps pathogens, increasing susceptibility to persistent bacterial and fungal infections, especially in the lungs.
Source: Wikipedia summary citing chronic infections due to mucus buildup

Question 5

Can cystic fibrosis cause infertility in males and females?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most males with cystic fibrosis are infertile due to congenital absence of the vas deferens. Some females may also experience reduced fertility, though many can still conceive with assistance.

Question 6

Can cystic fibrosis patients live a normal life expectancy?

Accepted Answer

Thanks to lifelong management and new treatments like CFTR modulators, many individuals now live into their 40s, 50s, and beyond. Median predicted survival has increased dramatically from under 40 years in 2010 to around 59 years by 2020.
Source: PubMed Central – Increased Life Expectancy Overview

Question 7

What organs are most affected by cystic fibrosis?

Accepted Answer

Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the lungs and pancreas but can also impact the liver, intestines, sinuses, and reproductive organs due to mucus buildup in these areas.

Question 8

How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed and confirmed?

Accepted Answer

Diagnosis typically involves a sweat chloride test, which measures the amount of salt in sweat. Genetic testing can confirm mutations in the CFTR gene, especially in newborn screening programs.

Question 9

Can cystic fibrosis be cured or managed with treatment?

Accepted Answer

There is no cure, but cystic fibrosis can be effectively managed with medications, airway clearance therapies, nutritional support, and CFTR modulator therapies tailored to specific gene mutations.

Question 10

Why should people with cystic fibrosis avoid close contact with each other?

Accepted Answer

People with cystic fibrosis are at risk of spreading harmful bacteria to one another, which can lead to serious lung infections. Infection control guidelines recommend maintaining distance to reduce this risk.

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