May is the home of many different awareness months. Cystic Fibrosis is one of them, and not many people know much about Cystic Fibrosis (CF). That’s why we’re taking a moment to shed light on this condition.
To help us better understand CF, we spoke with one of our Pulmonologists, Dr. Vishal Patel, and asked him to answer some common questions.
A quick refresher: a pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in the lungs and diagnosing respiratory diseases—like CF.
Q: What exactly is CF?
Dr. Patel: “Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, digestive and reproductive systems due to thick, sticky mucus production caused by one of many CFTR gene mutations.”
This thick mucus clogs airways, traps bacteria, and leads to chronic lung infections. It also impacts the pancreas and other organs, making it harder to digest food and absorb nutrients.
Q: What are the Early Signs of CF?
Dr. Patel: “Persistent cough, frequent lung infections, and poor weight gain. Many are diagnosed through newborn screening.”
Early detection is key to managing CF more effectively, which is why newborn screening programs have become a critical tool in early intervention.
Q: What are Some Common Misconceptions?
Dr. Patel: “CF affects more than just the lungs and isn’t just a childhood disease—many now live well into adulthood thanks to improved treatments.”
While many people associate CF with childhood, advancements in care have dramatically increased life expectancy. CF is a lifelong condition, and adults with CF often live full, active lives—with ongoing management and support.
Q: What is the Progress?
Dr. Patel: “New therapies, especially CFTR modulators, have greatly improved outcomes and quality of life.”
These new medications target the underlying cause of CF at the cellular level and have changed the prognosis for many patients. Coupled with personalized treatment plans and multidisciplinary care teams, the future for people with CF continues to look brighter.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness about CF not only helps increase understanding of the disease, but also promotes support for research and innovation. It reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a community advocating for better health and a better future.
This May, we stand with the CF community. Thank you, Dr. Patel, for helping us learn more about this important condition.
Dr. Vishal Patel
