What is Cystic fibrosis? Info about Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. Symptoms of Cystic fibrosis include frequent lung infections, shortness of breath and failure to thrive despite a healthy appetite and normal diet. More than 80 percent of patients are diagnosed by age 3 with Cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has reported that of the 30,000 people in the United States who suffer from Cystic fibrosis, more than 40 percent are 18 years or older, and the median age for survival in 2005 was almost 37 years. Worldwide, 70,000 people suffer from Cystic fibrosis.