According to Cystic Fibrosis in Australia, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common life threatening, recessive genetic condition affecting Australian children.

CF is a genetic disease where thick sticky mucus affects a number of organs, clogging them and causing irreversible damage. This especially affects the lungs and pancreas. The blockages and repeated infections cause irreversible lung damage and eventually death. Problems with the pancreas affect the release of certain enzymes, which has major implications for digestion and nutrition.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited condition where both parents are genetic carriers for CF. The parents do not have CF themselves and the disease is normally discovered when babies are screened at birth.

Symptoms of CF can include poor weight gain, coughing, repeated chest infections, salty sweat and abnormal stools. There is presently no cure for CF, but research has identified the gene involved.