Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic condition. Both parents must carry a mutation in one of the two copies of the gene that causes cystic fibrosis (the CFTR gene) and each parent must pass the mutation on to their child. If a child receives two copies of the faulty gene – one from each parent – he or she will develop cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a serious illness that severely affects day-to-day living. Not all people are affected in the same way; however, common symptoms include thick mucus build up in the lungs and difficulties breathing. Mucus and protein also accumulate in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Though cystic fibrosis affects both children and adults, most are diagnosed as infants.

Treatment consists of respiratory and nutritional therapy to help the body absorb foods and prevent blockages from the thick mucus. Newborns diagnosed with cystic fibrosis need specialist care and are normally followed by interprofessional cystic fibrosis teams in paediatric hospitals across Canada.¹

¹Cystic Fibrosis Canada, About CF