What is cystic fibrosis?
A child with cystic fibrosis is born with a disease that affects the lungs, intestine, pancreas, liver and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that line organs throughout the body. These cells do not produce enough fluid, which makes them unable to secrete important substances from the inside of the cell, to the outside of the cell. In turn, the organ does not function properly. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that only occurs in Caucasians.

What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Common respiratory symptoms of cystic fibrosis include a cough that produces mucus and wheezing. Other symptoms include abdominal swelling, diarrhea, heartburn, and weight loss.

How does the doctor treat cystic fibrosis?
There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Treatment for cystic fibrosis may include: respiratory therapy, antibiotics, medications that loosen bronchial secretions and bronchodilator medications that reverse wheezing. Lipase therapy may be given for gastrointestinal symptoms.