Cystic Fibrosis Q & A
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life threatening, recessive genetic condition affecting Australian children
How does it affect people?
CF affects primarily the lungs and digestive system, however with improved medication and treatment life expectancy has been extended considerably.
Who gets CF?
CF is an inherited condition. For a child to be born with CF both parents must be genetic carriers for CF. They do not have Cystic Fibrosis themselves.
How common is CF?
Every four days a child is born with CF. There are a million genetic carriers of CF in Australia.
How many young people have CF?
Approximately 3000 children and young adults have CF in Australia
How is CF diagnosed?
In Australia, all babies are screened at birth for CF. A blood spot test is applied and if this test proves to be positive, a sweat test will be done to measure the amount of salt in the sweat and it is with this test that a final diagnosis is made.
Does CF affect life expectancy?
Average age now is 33 years but not so long ago that was teenage years or younger. The great improvement has been brought about by research.
What are the symptoms of CF?
People with CF may have the following symptoms:
- Persistent cough, particularly with physical effort.
- Some difficulty in breathing or wheezing with effort.
- Tiredness, lethargy or an impaired exercise ability.
- Frequent visits to the toilet.
- Salt loss in hot weather, which may produce weakness.
- Poor appetite.
Is there a cure for CF?
Cystic Fibrosis is not curable at this time. However, with today’s improved treatment most people with Cystic Fibrosis are able to lead reasonably normal and productive lives. A great amount of time, energy and money is being directed towards finding new and improved ways of treating CF and of finally finding a cure.
Is CF contagious?
CF is not contagious. Coughing is a frequent symptom of CF, because of this some people are afraid they may catch it, but CF is an inherited condition which is present at birth. You cannot “catch” CF and you cannot give it to anyone else.
How is it treated?
CF is treated with intense daily chest physiotherapy to move mucus in the lungs as well as up to 40 enzyme replacement tablets each day to aid digestion.
Why have things improved?
Mainly due to research and better knowledge and management of the condition.
Does the National Organisation receive Government funding?
No - the CF state organisations receive funding to support the CF Community but no money for research.
Is there a cure?
No - but it can be found.
What’s needed?
Money! Buy 65 Roses merchandise and help research and support services.
| About Cystic Fibrosis Australia |
| Why 65 Roses? |
| 65 Roses Song |
| CF Research |
| Cystic Fibrosis Q & A |
| Media |
| Joels Story |
Testimonials
“I'd just like to say thanks to you guys for raising awareness for CF. It’s great to know at least some people know what it means! I'm really open about my CF and think it's great that we can get the message out into the community. I love being different to everyone else and I know that in a lot of ways I'm so much luckier than many of my peers. I've learnt to be patient, tolerant and take everything in my stride. Along with my friends and family, its organisations like this that remind you why you get up each day. Thanks so much your work is truly appreciated.”
Nikki Fields
National Sponsor of
Cystic Fibrosis Australia
