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Cystic Fibrosis in Macarthur

There are more than 80 People, mostly children, living with Cystic Fibrosis in Macarthur.

Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life threatening, recessive genetic disease affecting Australian children. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. People with CF produce abnormally thick mucus which clogs the tiny air passages in the lungs and traps bacteria. Repeated infection can cause irreversible damage to the lungs and death. The pancreas is also impaired preventing the release of enzymes needed for the digestive of foods.

People born with Cystic Fibrosis, even young children, have to endure a life time of daily physiotherapy, nebulizers and take up to 40 tablets every day. Many CF sufferers see hospitals as their second home. The life expectancy is early adulthood. There is no cure

The Facts

    • CF is Australia’s most common life threatening, recessive genetic disease
    • CF occurs in one in 2,500 births yet many people have never really heard of the condition
    • In Australia, a child is born with CF every four days
    • There are almost one million people who are genetic carriers of CF in Australia
    • Parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis live with the reality that their child is likely to die before they do

For more information visit Cystic Fibrosis NSW