What is Cystic Fibrosis
Learn About The Disease
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.
Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
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Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive genic disease. This means that you need to have two copies of the Cystic Fibrosis gene in order to get it. Cystic Fibrosis is a defect in the CFTR protein which is responsible for the pumping of chlorine ions out of the cell.
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Without a functioning pump, the chlorine ions bind to sodium ions within the cell creating large amounts of salt. The salt them moves out of the cell, becoming mucus. It is this mucus that causes all the issues in the lungs and intestines.
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Go to the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Association
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For information, referral, service, program, and support you can contact the Canadian Advocacy Foundation by email at advocacy@cysticfibrosis.ca or by phone at 1-800-378-2233 ext. 403 .
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