Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common progressive, genetic diseases in the United States. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop frequent and chronic infections, which can lead to sepsis.
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common progressive, genetic diseases in the United States. People with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop frequent and chronic infections, which can lead to sepsis.
Sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Like strokes or heart attacks, sepsis is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease caused by a defective CF gene. If two adults who each carry this gene have a child together, the child has a:
- 50% chance of being a carrier of the CF gene
- 25% chance of having CF
- 25% chance of not being a carrier or having the disease
Adults may have no idea they are CF carriers if they are unaware of CF in their family.
There are many aspects to CF, but the hallmark of the disease is thick mucus, sweat, and digestive juices that the body produces. Mucus normally helps protect and lubricate body tissues. But with CF, the mucus and liquids coat and eventually damage organs, like the lungs. The mucus clogs the airway, making it hard to breathe. It also causes scarring in the lungs and increases the risk of infection by blocking microbes (germs) in the airway.
Cystic fibrosis also affects the digestive system. As mucus builds up on the intestine walls, the body can’t absorb nutrients from the food and the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin. Without treatment, this leads to malnutrition.
Suggested Citation:
Sepsis Alliance. Sepsis and Cystic Fibrosis. 2023. https://www.sepsis.org/sepsisand/cystic-fibrosis/
Updated December 12, 2023.
