Fast Facts about Cystic Fibrosis

1. Cystic fibrosis affects about 30,000 children and young adults in the U.S.

2. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex, genetic disease, which affects the body's transport of electrolytes and fluids across cell membranes and the clearance of secretions from exocrine glands.

3. Cystic fibrosis also causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus. This mucus obstructs air passages in the lungs. It is very difficult to remove and causes infection, airway inflammation, and tissue damage.

4. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary, or genetic, disease most commonly found in Caucasian-American children, occurring in about one in every 2,000 births.

5. Currently, the only way to prevent cystic fibrosis is to avoid having two carriers conceive a child together.

6. The most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis are: very salty-tasting skin; persistent coughing, wheezing or pneumonia; excessive appetite but poor weight gain; and bulky stools.

7. The sweat test is the standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis.

8. Currently, there is no cure. However, over the past 25 years, treatment for cystic fibrosis has improved dramatically.

9. To stay healthy, those with cystic fibrosis need regular visits and examinations at a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation accredited care center. There are more than 110 cystic fibrosis care centers nationwide.

10. It is important for patients with cystic fibrosis to exercise, eat healthy, high calorie diets, and take their medications and treatments as directed even though the treatments take up a great deal of time.