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Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening disease in which individuals develop an ulcer in the pancreas and associated lung problems. This is currently managed by means such as inhalant medications and equipment like chest-vibrating vests. Recently, the Associated Press wrote a story saying that the average life expectancy of patients with cystic fibrosis had been on a rise.
Cystic fibrosis life expectancy rising, why?
While there is no scientific data to prove the real reasons why we are seeing this change, one can speculate it is due to two major changes in the recent years. AP didn't cover these two reasons which we strongly believe to be the cause:
Smoking bans
Exposure to smoking and second-hand smoke for cystic fibrosis patients is extremely dangerous. Thanks to proper education and an evergrowing number of public places where smoking is prohibited, cystic fibrosis patients are far less exposed to these life-threatening pollutants.
Overall life expectancy on the rise
The general population is seeing an overall rise in life expectancy due to advancements in medicine, nutrition and general understanding of the importance of exercise. Hence, patients with cystic fibrosis are also generally better in shape to start with.
About cystic fibrosis
To date, approximately 70,000 people worldwide have this deadly disease that causes mucus build up and clogging of the lungs and pancreas. While the disease generally appears during childhood, adults are prone to it as well.
Cystic fibrosis awareness
While there is a large number of people affected by this lung disease, it still doesn't hit the spotlight as often as cancer. Awareness however is slowly growing. Only a couple of days ago, Christina and Ali, two sisters with cystic fibrosis, performed on "America's Got Talent". The young girls, aged 13 and 20, blew the competition away singing "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. They discussed their lifelong battle with the genetic disorder and explained to viewers nationwide on what it was.
