What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited (genetic) disorder that causes the body's fluids to be abnormally thick. It primarily affects the lungs, where sticky mucus forms and allows bacteria to grow, and the digestive system, where small passages are blocked that would normally carry enzymes to digest food. Because it is a genetic disorder, it is present from the time of conception, although not all people with cystic fibrosis are diagnosed at birth. Some even reach adulthood before a diagnosis is made.

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