Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic, hereditary and degenerative disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system – pancreas dysfunction resulting from abnormalities in the CFTR (also called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator), a chloride channel that is found in the cells that line the lungs, sweat glands, pancreatic ducts, intestines, and reproductive organs. Its main feature is the accumulation of more dense and sticky secretions in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. This causes infections and inflammation that destroy mainly areas of the lung, liver, pancreas, and reproductive system.
In addition, this thickening of the mucus makes it easier for bacteria or small organisms to accumulate that enter the lungs and cause respiratory infections. [1]
What Are the Main Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?
Patients with cystic fibrosis can be present in different age groups and with many different clinical manifestations. The respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems are the most impacted by the disease. [2]