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Cystic Fibrosis is
a genetically inherited condition that affects around 1 in every 2500 of babies born in the UK. The defective
gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis affects the mucus producing glands in the body and its effects are felt mainly in the
lungs and pancreas, with the development of frequent chest infections and difficulties with digestion. People with Cystic Fibrosis require
a daily treatment programme that can include physiotherapy and medication. Specialist medical care is available from Cystic
Fibrosis clinics within hospitals throughout the country. There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
However, due to improved treatment, quality of life has been enhanced for people with the condition and there are a
variety of research programmes underway to find a cure for the condition, including gene therapy. There are currently around 7,000
people in the UK who have Cystic Fibrosis, 700 of them living in Scotland. All babies born in Scotland are now screened for the condition at birth since the introduction of the newborn
screening programme in February 2003.
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