What is a Clinical Trial?
Find out about clinical trials.
Cystic Fibrosis
About cystic fibrosis
In this section, you or a loved one can find out more about cystic fibrosis, as well as links to other information. Being informed is an important first step towards becoming an active decision-maker in your care plan.
What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes blockage of tubes or passageways in several organs, especially the lungs and digestive system.
Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that keep mucus and digestive juices thin and slippery. People with cystic fibrosis have defective genes that cause secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways in the lungs, sinuses, pancreas, liver, intestines and reproductive system. The two major consequences in most people with cystic fibrosis are poor digestion and worsening lung disease over time. The symptoms and severity of cystic fibrosis can vary widely from person to person.
For more information, please visit Cystic Fibrosis Australia https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.au/ (Date last accessed 26 Oct 2016)
Disclaimer
Please note that the information on this website is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice or treatment from a healthcare professional. Speak to a healthcare provider if you have any questions about your health, medical condition, symptoms or treatment options.
References
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
https://www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/ (Date last accessed 01 Feb 2017)
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/basics/definition/con-20013731 (Date last accessed 26 Oct 2016)
U.S Department of Health and Human Services – National Institute of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cf (Date last accessed 26 Oct 2016)
