Serious coughs: Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

The following serious illnesses associated with coughing require immediate medical treatment.

While Cystic Fibrosis is not primarily a respiratory disease, the lungs are the main organ affected. This genetic disorder causes a discharge of thick, viscous secretions leading to frequent lung infections with dyspnoea. The WHO reports that 1 in 2 000 to 3000 newborns is affected by CF.  Failure to thrive is quite common, characterised by growth retardation and malnutrition. Very often in a progressively worsening condition, a lung transplant may be required to save a seriously-affected person. Prognosis is however better than ever before.

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