Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease - especially in a time of pandemic -that affects the lungs,digestive system and other parts of the body. Treatment is a challenge, but that could be about to change, says journalist

摘要

Oround one in 25 adults carry the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis (CF) without experiencing any problems themselves, but the disease is only passed on when both parents have that faulty gene (Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 2020a). Even then, a child has only a one-in-four chance of developing the condition (Cystic Fibrosis Trust, 2020b). At present there is no cure for CF, so people who are born with it must live with it. Managing the condition is especially hard in these anxious times when catching Covid-19, which attacks the respiratory system, could further jeopardise patients' health (see CF and Covid-19, on page 29).