Cystic Fibrosis:What Is It? What are the symptoms? 
Is It Curable?

  • ​​Cystic Fibrosis, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is a ”…progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.”  This is a genetic faulty gene which creates thick mucus that not only affects the lungs but it also affects the pancreas and all other internal organs, within the body. 
  • The thick, sticky mucus also affects  “...the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices” (Mayo Clinic).
  • This respiratory disease needs care several times daily in order to loosen up the lungs which clogs "...the tubes that carry air in an out..." (Mayo Clinic).   
  • Cystic Fibrosis also attacks the digestive system; leaving blocked tubes that run from "...your pancreas to your small intestine" (Mayo Clinic)
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​According to the Mayo Clinic symptoms include:
Respiratory:
Persistent cough that produces thick mucus
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Exercise intolerance
Repeated lung infections
Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose 
Digestive System:
Foul smelling, greasy stool
Poor weight gain and growth
Intestinal blockage...
Severe constipation
For more information concerning treatment of Cystic Fibrosis
click on links provided. 
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References:
About Cystic Fibrosis.Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/ Retrieved May 15, 2017.

​Genetics Home Reference. Cystic Fibrosis. 
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cystic-fibrosis#resources
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Higher Hopes, Higher Costs. Cystic Fibrosis Life Expectance. http://campaign.optum.com/content/optum/en/optumrx/pharmacy-insights/high-hopes-higher-costs-seen-cystic-fibrosis.html

​Mayo Clinic. Cystic Fibrosis: Symptoms and Causes. 
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/home/ovc-20211890. Oct 13, 2016 

YouTube. What is Cystic Fibrosis? Animation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMAOEOmLoUE
This page was developed by: Patricia Martinez. May 2017