CF affects approximately 30,000 children and young adults. It occurs in approximately one of every 3,300 live births. The median age of survival is 31 years.
CF causes the body to produce an abnormally thick, sticky mucus.
This abnormal mucus clogs the lungs and leads to lung infections. The thick CF mucus also obstructs the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching the intestines to digest food. Cystic Fibrosis is not contagious, and therefore cannot be transmitted from person to person. Antibiotics are also used to treat lung infections. CF also can affect the digestive system, the body does not absorb enough nutrients, therefore the need to eat an enriched diet and take both replacement vitamins and pancreatic enzymes.