{"id":11324,"date":"2024-05-15T10:45:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T10:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=11324"},"modified":"2024-05-15T10:45:41","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T10:45:41","slug":"cystic-fibrosis-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/cystic-fibrosis-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"A<\/a>May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. During this time, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is working to provide important information about this disease for our patients, including its symptoms, potential complications, and current available treatments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease that affects the mucus-producing cells in your body.\u00a0 CF occurs when there is a mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This mutation disables cells from moving chloride (a component of salt) to their surfaces. Without the movement of chloride, cells cannot hydrate properly, causing your body to produce thicker, stickier mucus.<\/span><\/p>\n

The buildup of heavy mucus caused by CF can damage the digestive system, lungs, and other organs that depend on mucus to function by obstructing the ducts, tubes or passageways of these organs. Those living with cystic fibrosis also often have abnormally high levels of salt in their sweat. Other symptoms that may develop as a result of the disease include:<\/span><\/p>\n