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Respiratory

Chiesi has been committed to the development of medicines to treat respiratory diseases for more than 30 years. Thanks to modern treatments, patients have an improved chance to live more active lives

Asthma

COPD

Cystic Fibrosis

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that affects the lungs, the digestive system and many other organs.1 It results in the overproduction and build-up of thick, sticky mucus, causing a wide range of challenging symptoms that affect the entire body.1

The number and severity of these symptoms can vary dramatically. This means two individuals with cystic fibrosis can have very different experiences of the challenges it brings.2 Some common signs and symptoms include:2–7

Very salty tasting skin

Persistent coughing

Wheezing or shortness of breath

Frequent lung infections (pneumonia or bronchitis)

Poor growth or weight gain

Frequent greasy, bulky stools and difficulty with bowel movements

Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene known as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ‘CFTR’.8 In the UK, all newborn babies are screened for cystic fibrosis as part of the blood spot test (heel prick test) carried out shortly after they are born.3,9 If the screening test suggests a child may have cystic fibrosis, additional tests, such as a sweat test and a genetic test, are carried out to confirm whether they have the condition.3

Cystic fibrosis is classed as a rare disease.9,10 In the UK, approximately 1 in every 2500 babies are born with the condition each year, and approximately 11,148 people are currently living with cystic fibrosis.8–10

Life expectancy for patients with cystic fibrosis has increased over the past 15 years and approximately 50% of people born today are expected to live to at least 56.1 years of age.*8

*This has been predicted using a mathematical formula that predicts how long we expect half of the people with cystic fibrosis born today will live.

Further support and resources

Across the UK, there are numerous cystic fibrosis charities and organisations supporting individuals and families, and providing resources, raising awareness and fundraising to support vital research.

For resources to support you with managing your condition:

Air pollution and respiratory diseases

Although found everywhere, air pollution is most common in large, busy cities. Small airborne particles found in haze, smoke and dust present serious air quality problems. These small particles are formed during construction, in transport and in chemical industries. When inhaled, particles can enter the lungs, acting as direct irritants that cause the airways to swell and tighten, which leads to respiratory conditions and worsening of symptoms.11

Understand when air pollution is predicted to be high in your local area according to the Met Office.

The Clean Air movement

Global Action Plan’s Clean Air movement helps businesses make changes in their air pollution production and encourages governments to bring about systemic change.12

Get involved in the Global Action Plan to combat air pollution.

Patient Resources

If you’re a patient, or a carer of a patient, who has been prescribed one of our products, you’ll find information and resources to help manage your condition here

Access resources

References

  1. Cystic Fibrosis Trust. What is cystic fibrosis?. Available at: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis.
  2. Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Cystic fibrosis complications and symptoms. Available at: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/how-does-cystic-fibrosis-affect-the-body/cystic-fibrosis-complications.
  3. NHS. Cystic fibrosis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cystic-fibrosis/.
  4. Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Cystic fibrosis FAQs. Available at: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/faqs.
  5. News Medical Life Sciences. Cystic Fibrosis and Salty Skin. Available at: https://www.news-medical.net/health/Cystic-Fibrosis-and-Salty-Skin.aspx.
  6. Mayo clinic. Cystic fibrosis. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700.
  7. Cystic Fibrosis Trust UK. Digestive system. Available at: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/what-is-cystic-fibrosis/how-does-cystic-fibrosis-affect-the-body/cystic-fibrosis-complications/digestive-system/.
  8. Cystic Fibrosis Trust. UK Cystic Fibrosis Registry 2022 Annual Data Report. Available at: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/sites/default/files/2023-10/CFT_2022_Annual_Data_Report_FINAL_v8.pdf.
  9. NHS. Newborn blood spot test. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/blood-spot-test.
  10. Gov.uk. The UK Rare Diseases Framework. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-rare-diseases-framework/the-uk-rare-diseases-framework.
  11. American Lung Association. Particle pollution. Available at: https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/what-makes-air-unhealthy/particle-pollution
  12. Global Action Plan. Action for Clean Air. Available at: https://www.actionforcleanair.org.uk/.