About Cystic Fibrosis

Copyright, Matt Griffin

Cystic Fibrosis is a potentially fatal hereditary disease in which the chloride ion channels in the pancreas malfunction due to a mutation of the CFTR gene, causing a cyst to form on the damaged tissue of the pancreas. Chloride ion channels are in charge of allowing bases to pass through membrane of cells. Cystic Fibrosis prevents this from happening. As a result, mucus forms on top of the cell. The CFTR channel is also in charge of regulating digestive acids and sweat. Mucus can also build up greatly in the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Cystic Fibrosis can also be a factor in male infertility where congenital absense of the vas deferens can occur.

Many people struggle from Cystic Fibrosis
-children, teenagers, adults. CF is
especially prominent in Caucasians,
although anyone can inherit the disease.
CF can lead to clubbing of the fingers and
toes, uncomfortable stools and bowel
movement, sinus infections, diarrhea,
and poor growth (overweight.) Children
can be diagnosed with CF as early as age 2.
CF is a serious disease that must be
treated by certified medical technicians.

Life with CF

Many people with CF and their friends and family have taken action in finding a better treaments for the disease. They have also taken action by sharing their stories through many different CF sponsoring organizations throughout the world. CysticFibrosis.com is a foundation which carries out this mission. Below is a commercial discribing the feeling of being "under water" as a result of CF.

Cystic Fibrosis Commercial