Cystic Fibrosis Specialists

Description

Cystic fibrosis (SIS-tik fi-BRO-sis), or CF, is an inherited disease of your secretory glands, including the glands that make mucus and sweat.

“Inherited” means that the disease is passed through the genes from parents to children. People who have CF inherit two faulty CF genes—one from each parent. The parents likely don’t have the disease themselves.

CF mostly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs.

Overview
Mucus is a substance made by the lining of some body tissues. Normally, mucus is a slippery, watery substance. It keeps the linings of certain organs moist and prevents them from drying out or getting infected. However, if you have CF, your mucus becomes thick and sticky.

The mucus builds up in your lungs and blocks your airways—the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. The buildup of mucus makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This leads to repeated, serious lung infections. Over time, these infections can severely damage your lungs.

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