What is it?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease which mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, build-up of thick mucus makes it hard to clear bacteria, which leads to infection and inflammation. Thick mucus also blocks the ducts of the pancreas, preventing enzymes from reaching food to digest it. About one in every 3500 children born in Canada has Cystic Fibrosis.
Why does it happen?
Children are born with Cystic Fibrosis due to a defective gene responsible for CF. When two people who carry this gene have a child, there is a 25% chance that child will be born with CF. Or, they may be a carrier and not ever get the disease.
What can be done?
There is no known cure, but research is ongoing. A multidisciplinary team of nurses, pediatrician, dietitian and physiotherapist will help the family keep the child healthy with prevention of lung infections and medications to aid in digestion and take action to promote the healthiest development possible.