What does CF mean in medical terminology?

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disease that is passed down through families. It is caused by a defective gene that makes the body produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas.

How does CF affect the body?

CF causes thick mucus that clogs certain organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing problems, and chronic lung disease. There is no cure for CF.

How does a person get cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with CF have inherited two copies of the defective CF gene — one copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene. People with only one copy of the defective CF gene are called carriers, but they do not have the disease.

What are the symptoms of mild CF?

They may experience shortness of breath and have difficulty with exercise. Persistent coughing or wheezing is another possible symptom, especially when accompanied by frequent chest and sinus infections with recurring pneumonia or bronchitis. A child may have very thick phlegm (sputum).

What is the average life expectancy of CF?

Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is about 44 years. Death is most often caused by lung complications.

medical terminology introduction

How long do CF patients usually live?

Based on the 2021 CF Foundation Patient Registry data, the current life expectancy for CF patients born between 2017 and 2021 is 53 years — a substantial jump from a decade ago when the life expectancy was 38. Now, almost 60% of us are older than 18.

Where does CF stand for?

The abbreviation cf. (short for the Latin: confer/conferatur, both meaning "compare") is used in writing to refer the reader to other material to make a comparison with the topic being discussed.

What does the notation CF mean?

The abbreviation cf. stands for the Latin word confer which means “compare.” It is primarily used in endnotes or footnotes to point readers to works that the author recommends referencing in comparison with the work at hand. Therefore, it might be more useful to read cf.

Is cystic fibrosis still fatal?

Cystic fibrosis tends to get worse over time and can be fatal if it leads to a serious infection or the lungs stop working properly. But people with cystic fibrosis are now living for longer because of advancements in treatment. Currently, about half of people with cystic fibrosis will live past the age of 40.

How painful is cystic fibrosis?

Pain is an important part of cystic fibrosis disease in children and adults. Indeed, pain is reported in more than 60% of studies published last years. Further studies are necessary to create a specific pain assessment tool to evaluate pain and improve care.

Does cystic fibrosis ever go away?

While there is no cure yet for cystic fibrosis (CF), people with CF are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. In fact, babies born with CF today are expected to live into their mid-40s and beyond. Life expectancy has improved so dramatically that there are now more adults with cystic fibrosis than children.

What are 3 major symptoms of CF?

This can cause signs and symptoms such as: A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum) Wheezing. Exercise intolerance.

What is an example of CF in a sentence?

cf. written abbreviation for compare: used for referring to another written statement, document, or book: Further amendments have been incorporated into the proposal (cf. Bartt & Sons p17).

What is the oldest someone with CF has lived?

The oldest person in the United States diagnosed with CF for the first time was 82. Those who are not diagnosed with CF until later in life generally suffer from colds, sinus infections, pneumonia, stomach pains, and acid reflux. They may also have trouble gaining or keeping on weight.

Why can't CF patients be together?

For people with CF, being close to others with the disease puts them at greater risk of getting and spreading dangerous germs and bacteria. This is called cross‐infection. Not only are these dangerous germs difficult to treat, but they can also lead to worsening symptoms and faster decline in lung function.

What is the oldest living person with CF?

At 86, Marlene Pryson may be one of the oldest individuals living with cystic fibrosis.

At what age do cystic fibrosis symptoms start?

The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis generally begin to occur around 6-8 months after birth, though this can differ significantly from person to person. Symptoms tend to differ depending on age and can affect various areas of the body.

Does a lung transplant cure CF?

Does a lung transplant cure cystic fibrosis? No. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition so even though the transplanted lungs will not have CF and will never develop it, the rest of the person's body will continue to have cystic fibrosis.

At what age is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?

Most children with CF are diagnosed by the time they're 2 years old. But someone with a mild form may not be diagnosed until they're a teen.

Can you live to 70 with cystic fibrosis?

Some people will live longer. In fact, some people with CF are living into their 70s.

Can people with CF have kids?

Most women with CF are able to become pregnant and achieve a normal pregnancy. Your obstetrician should be able to help you understand your reproductive health to help you make the right family planning decisions.

Can you live a normal life with cystic fibrosis?

People with cystic fibrosis continue to live longer and healthier lives, and the Patient Registry data support this general trend. To understand what this means for our community, however, it is important to understand how these numbers are calculated and what they represent.

Can cystic fibrosis Kiss?

Research says that people with CF can get pseudomonas from other infected people. The germs can spread via indirect or direct contact. Direct contact includes shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.

Who is most likely to get cystic fibrosis?

The disease occurs mostly in whites whose ancestors came from northern Europe, although it affects all races and ethnic groups. Accordingly, it is less common in African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans. Approximately 2,500 babies are born with CF each year in the United States.