What happens when a person has cystic fibrosis (CF)?

Video Transcript

What happens when a person has cystic fibrosis (CF)? - Animation

Accumulation of mucus contributes to airflow obstruction and predisposes the patient to chronic respiratory infection, which can in turn lead to bronchiectasis and numerous other complications throughout the body. Because CF is caused by an inborn mutation, symptoms of disease typically manifest in childhood. Symptoms of CF include: chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, nasal polyps, and cough. Over time, persistent cough produces thick, greenish sputum that may also contain pus. Survival has improved with new therapeutic techniques, and patient life expectancy has increased from late childhood to approximately 40 years.

Review Date: 7/5/2013

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