Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common genetic life-shortening condition affecting children with approximately one in 2500 babies born with CF. Average life expectancy today for people with cystic fibrosis is 49 years, three decades ago, it was mid-20s.
Cystic fibrosis causes abnormally thick and sticky mucus to clog the lungs and pancreas and stops them working properly. In the lungs, the mucus causes inflammation, infection and irreversible lung damage. In the pancreas, it stops the release of important enzymes that help digest food and this leads to malnutrition.
There is currently no cure.
Our Cystic Fibrosis Research Team focuses on the assessment, treatment and prevention of cystic fibrosis lung disease in young children. By preventing lung disease early in life we believe that individuals with cystic fibrosis will live longer fulfilling lives.
Find out more about our cystic fibrosis research