Living with cystic fibrosis

Brief overview

The lungs and the gut are lined with a thin layer of cells which produce mucus and other secretions.  With cystic fibrosis these cells produce mucus that is too thick.  In the lungs, the small air passages become blocked up with mucus.  This results in chest infections and damage to the lungs. Cystic fibrosis occurs in about 1 in every 2500 births in this country.