When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs becomes thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.
Although cystic fibrosis requires daily care and treatments, people with cystic fibrosis are usually able to attend school and work. Improvements in screening and treatment options have given people with cystic fibrosis the ability to live into their mid- to late 30s, on average, and some are living into their 40s and 50s.