Advancements in care have improved life expectancy

Cystic fibrosis, an inherited disorder which causes damage to the lungs, affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices, which are normally thin and slippery.

- DR ELIZABETH SUNILA

But in people with the disease, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. The disease is is usually diagnosed through genetic study or using a sweat chloride test, says Dr Elizabeth Sunila, consultant pulmonologist, Aster Medcity, Kochi, in an interview with Anna Jose. Edited excerpts:

What is cystic fibrosis? What are the symptoms, and how is it diagnosed?

Cystic fibrosis is a life limiting, multi-system disease in which certain glands in our body produces thick secretions which results in damage to several organs, including the lungs, pancreas, intestine, etc. For individuals suffering from the disease, the secretions become thick. The condition may be suspected prenatally or during early years of life and is usually diagnosed through genetic study or using a sweat chloride test.