Copyright © 2008 Cure4CF
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a multi-organ disease, affecting the lungs, gut, liver, pancreas and reproductive tissues. CF results in progressive loss of lung function due to recurrent airway infection and damage. Up until death the CF person will experience a relentless decline in lung health that severely affects their overall health and activity, as well as the quality of life of their family.
No cure is available and the current treatments can only (briefly) slow the inevitable decline in health. The infections that occur in the lungs of CF patients are extremely difficult to treat, even with the strongest antibiotics and most innovative therapies currently available.
At present, about half of those with CF will die by their mid 30’s from lung disease. Although CF has been the focus of intense research scrutiny over the last 30 years, and the gene involved was cloned over 15 years ago, patients are still waiting for a cure.
In summary, CF is the most common genetic killer affecting western society, primarily affecting the lungs and the digestive system.
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‣Taking up to 40 tablets per day to help digest food
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‣Up to two hours of physiotherapy treatment every day
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‣Taking nebulised drugs every day
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‣Regular hospital stays each year
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‣A shortened life-span (approx 35 years on average)
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‣CF attacks lungs, digestion and ultimately life
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‣1 in 25 people are carriers - and don’t even know it
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‣There is no cure, yet!
Living with CF Means