Respiratory Diseases - Cystic Fibrosis

The thickened secretions trap germs and encourage repeated lung infections. In the pancreas they block the normal flow of pancreatic juices, preventing the body from digesting and absorbing fats and vitamins.

In order to develop symptoms of CF, an individual must have inherited two CF genes, one from each parent. Persons who have inherited only CF gene are called CF 'carriers' and have no CF symptoms; however, they do risk passing the CF develop symptoms before age 3. Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong illness.

The symptoms include poor weight gain in spite of a good appetite, deficiencies of vitamins A, D, E, ad K, stools that smell foul and are fat-filled, frequent diarrhoea, 'gas' and repeated respiratory infections, which may lead to shortness of breath, a blue tint to the skin or fingernails, wheezing, or a chronic cough which may produce mucus or blood. CF also results in a 2-year delay in sexual development at puberty. Ten per cent children with CF become diabetic after age 8.

Doctors measure the amount of salt in skin sweat to determine CF.

CF can also be diagnosed by genetic testing performed on a blood sample. This testing will confirm the presence of one CF gene (CF "carrier") or two CF genes (CF illness).

There is currently no way to prevent CF. Children who are newly diagnosed with CF will be started on a modified diet, together with vitamin supplements and doses of pancreatic enzymes. If lung infections are frequent, antibiotics will be given. In about 50 per cent of cases, full-blown CF is fatal by age 30.