What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Our body produces mucus – a fluid substance that covers and moisturizes the channels of some organs in our body. In the case of cystic fibrosis, the mucus is thick and sticky, which causes difficulties in the respiratory and digestive pathways.
Additionally, the bronchi can become clogged and infected, causing coughing and expectoration. The digestive organs (liver, pancreas, intestines) can also become obstructed, leading to digestive issues. The lungs and pancreas are two of the most important organs affected.

Source: https://trm.md/ro/social/fibroza-chistica-depistare-simptome-si-tratament

MYTHS about cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is NOT contagious

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease (passed down through genes from both parents) – it cannot be transmitted from one person to another through any form of personal contact such as coughing or touching.

Cystic fibrosis is NOT visible on the outside

Children with cystic fibrosis look just like other children. There are no visible physical signs of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis does NOT affect intellectual capacity

Children with cystic fibrosis learn and develop according to age norms.

Cystic fibrosis is NOT a disability

While some children with cystic fibrosis are limited by their condition, most are able to lead a normal, active, and productive life.

Cystic fibrosis is NOT bronchial asthma

Although some doctors may confuse cystic fibrosis with bronchial asthma until the diagnosis is made, these conditions are completely different, with some similar symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing.

In the Republic of Moldova

children is born with cystic fibrosis

CF affects both boys and girls

CF is a chronic condition that requires continuous monitoring and treatment

The manifestations vary from one patient to another

Signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:

  • intestinal obstruction at birth – absence of stool within the first 36 hours after the baby's birth
  • insufficient weight gain despite an increased appetite
  • insufficient digestion
  • greasy and bulky stools
  • abdominal pain
  • repetitive dry cough, followed by chronic productive cough and/or wheezing.
  • repeated lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)
  • frequent sinus infections
  • salty sweat

How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?

(Mucoviscidosis = mucus + viscosity)

Most children with cystic fibrosis are diagnosed in the first year of life or by the age of 3. In some countries, neonatal screening is implemented. Newborns with a positive result will be tested for the most common mutations and undergo a sweat test.
For older children, when the doctor identifies suspicious signs of cystic fibrosis, a sweat test will be recommended to confirm the diagnosis, followed by genetic testing. The sweat test is the standard method for confirming a cystic fibrosis diagnosis.

Two small electrodes are placed on the skin (usually on the hand) to stimulate the sweat glands. Then, the sweat is collected, and the amount of chloride (the salt component in sweat) is analyzed. For genetic testing, a blood sample is required.

According to the European cystic fibrosis registry, the Republic of Moldova remains one of the European countries with the shortest life expectancy for children affected by this disease.