Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe overtime. It is a life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. A thick mucus can block the lungs and the pancreas.

In the United States, about 30,000 people are affected by the disease. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people worldwide are living with cystic fibrosis. 1 in every 20 Americans is an unaffected carrier of an abnormal CE gene.

Wikipedia

Common symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:

  • Salty-tasting skin
  • Persistent coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Poor weight gain in spite of excessive appetite
  • Greasy, bulky stools
  • Repeated lung infections
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sinus infections.

Cystic Fibrosis does not affect any cognitive or learning abilities. However, the student may need modifications and supports due to the disease. Teachers with students with cystic fibrosis should be knowledgeable about the disease.

20 Great Resources on Cystic Fibrosis

Infographic by IVS Solutions

Infographic by IVS Solutions

 

October is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. According to the Center for Control Diseases (CDC), Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, progressive and frequently fatal disease of the body’s mucus glands. CF primary affects the respiratory and digestive systems in children and young adults. In the United States, approximately 30,000  people are diagnosed with CF. 1 out of 3,200 Caucasian births and 1 out of 15,000 African American births.

Below are a number of resources on Cystic Fibrosis.

Medical Sites- The following sites contain information on symptoms, definition, causes, risk factors, test, diagnosis and treatment:

Kids Health
Mayo Clinic
Medicine Net
Medline Plus
Medscape
NIH (National Heart, Lungs and Blood Institute)
PubMed Health
Wikipedia

 

Organizations

Boomer Esiason Foundation-group of passionate, dedicated individuals who work every day to raise money, awareness, and support for the cystic fibrosis community.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.

 

Twitter Accounts to Follow

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Cure Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Kids
Cystic Fibrosis News
Cystic Fibrosis Teen
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Cystic Fibrosis_ South Australia
Cystic Fibrosis_Western Australia
Medical News Today_ Cystic Fibrosis
Team Cystic Fibrosis

 

Cystic Fibrosis Resources

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults are affected. This disease clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening infections. For more information, click on the links below:

Medical Sites

American Lung Association
Genetics Home Reference
Kids Health
March of Dimes
Mayo Clinic
Medline Plus
WebMD
Wikipedia

Organizations

Boomer Esiason Foundation
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation