Cystic Fibrosis: A Breath Test for Early Lung Disease

Cystic fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic condition passed down from both parents, caused by a faulty CFTR gene. This gene mutation leads to severe lung problems and other health issues. Doctors are always on the lookout for early signs of lung damage, as it's the most serious part of CF. One way they're doing this is through a special breath test called the Multiple Breath Washout (MBW), which helps find lung problems early.The MBW test measures something called the Lung Clearance Index (LCI). This index is like a score that shows how well the lungs are working. A higher LCI score can indicate that there's something wrong with the airways. This test is really useful because it can detect lung issues before they become serious. It's important to remember that while the MBW test is helpful, it's not the only way doctors check the lungs. They also use other tools and tests to get a full picture of a patient's lung health. Plus, early detection doesn't mean the problems go away on their own. Early treatment is key to managing CF and keeping lungs as healthy as possible.