Cystic Fibrosis is Ireland’s most common life-threatening inherited disease.
Cystic Fibrosis (also called mucoviscidosis) is Ireland’s most common life-threatening inherited disease. Approximately 1 in 19 people are carriers of the CF gene and where two carriers parent a child together, there is a 1 in 4 chance of the baby being born with CF.
CF affects the glands, damaging many organs including the lungs, the pancreas, the digestive tract and the reproductive system. It causes a thick sticky mucus to be produced, blocking the bronchial tubes and preventing the body’s natural enzymes from digesting food. CF primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system.
Ireland has the highest incidence of CF per head of population in the world and the average life expectancy for a person with CF in Ireland is the lowest among first world countries.
Ireland has the worst resources for CF patients in Europe, falling considerably below European recommended standards, with people just across the border in Northern Ireland faring much better.
Children born today with CF can expect to live a near normal, full and productive life, provided that the correct facilities and care are in place. This is what participating in “1 in 1000” will help achieve.
Further information is available at www.cfireland.ie
