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cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease caused by a mutation of the CFTR gene, the gene responsible for regulating the amount of chloride salt transmembrane channels in cells that produce mucus or sweat. The overproduction of mucus caused by cystic fibrosis has affects in the respiratory as well as digestive system. in the digestive system buildups of mucus can interfere with the movement of digestive enzymes from the pancreas reaching the small intestine. In the respiratory system built up mucus interferes with gas exchange by blocking air from efficiently flowing into the alveoli, and makes the act of taking a breath itself require more work. Luckily there are treatment options for cystic fibrosis including medications that thin mucus and open the airways, antibiotics to ward off infection developing, anti-inflammatory medication, lung transplants, and chest wall oscillation- which is the act of wearing a vibrating vest for periods at a time that shakes the chest in order to loosen up mucus .