goodtoknow says: There have been dramatic improvements in the treatment and understanding of cystic fibrosis. Today, many cystic fibrosis sufferers will live full, relatively normal lives. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that mainly affects the lungs and pancreas, causing a build up of mucus. It's caused by a faulty gene and most cases are diagnosed shortly after birth. Researchers are currently trying to work out what goes wrong with the gene and how to fix it. As yet, there's no cure for cystic fibrosis but treatment including daily physiotherapy and breathing exercises can really help.

For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of cystic fibrosis from patient.co.uk, read on.

Cystic fibrosis is a serious inherited disease which mainly affects the lungs and pancreas, but can involve other organs. Symptoms usually begin in early childhood and include persistent cough, wheeze, repeated chest infections, malabsorption of food, and general ill health. Treatments include antibiotics, physiotherapy, mucus thinning drugs, pancreatic enzyme replacements and other therapies.

What is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a condition which mainly affects the lungs and pancreas, but can affect other parts of the body including the liver, nose and sinuses, reproductive organs and sweat glands.

Normally, cells in these parts of the body make mucus and other watery juices and secretions. In people with cystic fibrosis, these cells do not function correctly and make mucus and secretions which are thicker than normal. This can cause various symptoms and problems (which are described below.)

• Next: What causes cystic fibrosis and how common is it?

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