An inherited disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems.
Thick mucus is formed in the bronchial tree which predisposes the person to chronic lung infections.
About one in 2500 Caucasians is affected and one in 25 is a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene. Risk factors include a family history of cystic fibrosis or unexplained infant death. The incidence in adults is 2 out of 10,000 people. Speciality clinics for cystic fibrosis are present in many communities. Medications include antibiotics for respiratory infections and pancreatic enzymes to replace the missing enzymes.