What is life like for someone with cystic fibrosis?
The typical life expectancy for someone with CF is mid-30s. As treatments have improved over the years, patients with CF are now living into their 40s and beyond. Cystic fibrosis may cause mucus to clog lung airways, leading to difficulty breathing.
What challenges do people with cystic fibrosis have?
For families affected by cystic fibrosis the top three challenges were financial challenges, raising awareness and disclosure. Living with a rare disease can be challenging financially on a family. Specialized care, services and treatments can be expensive and not always paid for by governments or insurers.
Do patients with cystic fibrosis typically live a long life?
The average life expectancy of a person with cystic fibrosis in the U.S. is approximately 37.5 years with many living much longer. However, this figure is constantly increasing as researchers discover new treatments and medications.
How does cystic fibrosis affect social life?
As an adult with CF you may encounter a very different range of emotional and social experiences to your peers, such as coping with work or relationships and cystic fibrosis. Some people with CF may feel barriers to forming relationships, such as a lack of independence or embarrassment because of symptoms.
Does CF worsen with age?
Cystic fibrosis tends to get worse over time and can be fatal if it leads to a serious infection or the lungs stop working properly. But people with cystic fibrosis are now living for longer because of advancements in treatment. Currently, about half of people with cystic fibrosis will live past the age of 40.
Are females with CF infertile?
Cystic fibrosis does not cause infertility in women to the extent that it does in men. However, some side effects and complications of cystic fibrosis can affect the female reproductive system, and may make conception more difficult.