- CF is the most common life-threatening disease in Australia. - It is an inherited genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, other systems can also be affected. - People with CF produce thick, sticky mucous that clogs airways in the lungs and blocks ducts in the digestive system. Resulting in trapped bacteria, reduced lung capacity, poor digestion and nutrient mal-absorption.
What does it mean?
- Shortened lifespan. - Difficulty breathing. - Frequent coughing. - Hospital stays. - Taking approx 40 tablets per day to digest food. - Hours of daily physiotherapy to clear lungs of infection - Developing CF related diseases like diabetes etc. - Separation from family and friends. - Interrupted lifestyle, schooling, social etc. - Isolation from other CFers due to cross infection complications. - A diet that is high in fat, salt & sugar. - Living an uncertain future.
Facts about Cystic Fibrosis:
- Only 50% of people with CF will live past 30 years old. - It affects males & females equally. - 1 in 2500 babies is born with CF. - In Australia, 1 baby is born with CF every 4 days. - A child with CF has inherited 2 CF genes from each parent. - 1 in 25 people carry the CF gene. - More than 1,000,000 Australians are carriers, most unknowingly. - Parents that are both carriers have a 1 in 4 chance of having a baby with CF.