Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that can occur when each parent of a child carries the CF gene. The disorder causes the exocrine glands to produce mucus which is too thick to permit normal body functions such as digestion, and even breathing. It blocks the ducts in the pancreas and bronchial tubes, as well as the intestines.
Following diagnosis, the question that many patients ask is, how long can people live with cystic fibrosis? This disease is fatal and does prevent sufferers from reaching the normal life expectancy of a healthy adult. According to the Social Security Administration, a healthy average adult male can expect to live to 84.3 years of age, while a healthy average adult female can expect to live to 86.6 years of age. The Golisano Children's Hospital of Rochester, NY says that the average lifespan of a patient with cystic fibrosis is 37.4 years as of 2008.
Evolution in Medicine for Cystic Fibrosis:
While 37.4 years seems like a short time to live based on modern statistics, these numbers have doubled since the first diagnosis of the disease in 1938. It was discovered by Dr. Dorothy Anderson while researching the cause of death in children who appeared malnourished. At the time there was no research on the condition that can offer a proper treatment. Most patients who asked the question, how long can people live with cystic fibrosis, found that most would not make it past childhood.
Now, as modern medicine continues to evolve, and research on cystic fibrosis offers more insight to the causes and symptoms of the disease, there is hope for a greater lifespan for those who receive such a diagnosis. Some patients will go on to live into their 40's, 50's or even 60's, depending on the severity of the disorder, and other factors which could affect health.
Early Diagnosis Is Vital:
When asking the question on how long can people live with cystic fibrosis, one of the most important factors to consider is how early the disease is diagnosed. The earlier you detect the disease and doctors begin treating it, the more likely it is to extend the patient’s lifespan to its fullest potential.
Common symptoms include sinus infections, shortness of breath, nose polyps, unexplained weight loss, clubbed toes and fingers, and low bone density. Many cases are caught early due to the newborn screening process offered at hospitals across North America. This makes it possible for over 75 percent of cystic fibrosis patients to be diagnosed and begin treatment at age 2. Adults who carry the CF gene can have their baby tested for the disease before he or she is born through prenatal screenings. This also increases the chances for early treatment and a longer lifespan.
As time progresses, and more funding and awareness are reached, new medications will become available. Perhaps one day, the answer to the question revolving around the lifespan of an individual with this condition will be irrelevant because it won't differ from the average lifespan of a healthy adult at all. Until that time, monitor symptoms, and report anything abnormal to your doctor as soon as possible.