Cysticfibrosis.ca - Cystic fibrosis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

What is the life expectancy if someone with cystic fibrosis?

The average life expectancy of a person with cystic fibrosis in the U.S. is approximately 37.5 years with many living much longer. However, this figure is constantly increasing as researchers discover new treatments and medications.

What does cystic fibrosis do to the body?

Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs. It's an inherited disease caused by a defective gene that can be passed from generation to generation. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.

Why is cystic fibrosis so hard to treat?

More detail about the topics raised in our Research in focus report on alternative ion channels can be found below. Cystic fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the airways. This prevents the body from being able to effectively remove bacteria, and can cause serious, hard to treat infections.

What would happen if cystic fibrosis is not treated?

People with cystic fibrosis may often have sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. Infection with bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and difficult to treat is common. Growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Because the lining inside the nose is inflamed and swollen, it can develop soft, fleshy growths (polyps). Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).