Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month in observed in May and encourages education in the battle against a lung disease affecting more than 30,000 people in the United States. CF (Cystic Fibrosis) Awareness Month educates that CF affects more than just the lungs. This genetic disease causes constant lung infections, but it also impacts other organs in the body where mucus builds up. While there is still no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, advancements in treatment have made it possible for those with the disease to live much longer than ever before. The color purple represents Cystic Fibrosis. Wear a purple enamel awareness ribbon pin, purple fabric ribbon, or purple silicone awareness wristband bracelet to call attention to this important awareness month. For example, all awareness products are available in a personalized or non-personalized version. This helps raise awareness in a multitude of ways.

More About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects many organ systems of the body. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry, 1,000 new people are diagnosed each year and a total of 30,000 people in the U.S. are living with CF. CF is caused by different mutations in a gene (CFTR) that makes a protein that helps move electrolytes (chloride and sodium) in and out of our body’s cells. When this process is not working correctly, the body produces thick and viscous secretions in the lungs, digestive tract, pancreas, and reproductive organs.

The disease is present when the person has two defective copies of the CFTR gene. A person can be a “carrier” of the defective CF gene, which means they have a defective gene but no disease.

If two carriers have a child together:

• One in four children will have CF.
• One in two children will be a carrier and not have CF.
• One in four children will not be a carrier or have CF.

Symptoms of CF include:

• Persistent productive cough.
• Salty-tasting skin.
• Lung infections.
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing.
• Growth problems.
• Difficulty with bowel movements, often with greasy, bulky stools.
• Infertility in males.

People with CF require daily routines of lung treatments, digestive enzymes with every meal, vitamins, and regular monitoring to avoid becoming sick, as they are at a high risk of becoming very sick. CF requires a full health care team that includes multiple subspecialties and frequent appointments. In the past, people with CF lived short and troubled lives with frequent hospitalizations and early death. Currently, all 50 states test newborns for CF. If the test is abnormal on the first or second newborn screen, a sweat test can confirm the diagnosis.

While CF remains a serious disease, recent advancements in medicine have provided promise for many. CFTR Modulator Therapy helps the protein transport chloride. The medication works for people with specific mutations, as different mutations cause different protein defects. Currently, no cure exists for CF so the scientific community is continually developing new drugs and therapies to lessen its effect on the day-to-day lives of people with CF. Raise awareness for CF to help find a cure for all.

How do I Get Involved and Help During Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month?

Find out more about local efforts to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis by reading more and following our awareness events.