what is cf

CF stands for cystic fibrosis, which is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. It is caused by mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which leads to the CFTR protein becoming dysfunctional. This protein is responsible for moving chloride, a component of salt, to the cell surface. When the protein is not working correctly, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky, leading to complications such as respiratory failure, infections, inflammation, malnutrition, and poor growth. CF is a progressive disease that affects people of every racial and ethnic group, and there is no cure for it. However, treatments are available to ease symptoms, prevent and treat complications, and slow the progress of the disease.