Not Just the Lungs Week

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Not Just Lungs Week

This week (3–9 November), we'll be shining a spotlight on some of the additional symptoms and complications that can come with living with cystic fibrosis, from gut symptoms to CF diabetes – showing CF is not just the lungs.

“Is that the condition where you cough a lot?” We’ve all heard it, haven’t we? When in fact, CF is so much more than the lungs.  

It’s a life-long, life-limiting condition that affects the whole body and requires multiple daily treatments and therapies to stay well. It’s 24/7. 365 days a year. You never get a day off from CF.  

But while 90% of the population have heard of CF, nearly 30% of people think it only affects the lungs. 

This week we’re shining a spotlight on some of the additional symptoms and complications of CF outside of the lungs, from gut symptoms and diabetes to fertility and bone health.  

If you'd like to get involved and share your experience, join the conversation using #notjustlungs and don't forget to tag us @cftrustuk. 

Find out how CF affects the whole body

Margot

My day-to-day life consists of loads of medication, rest, snack breaks and Creon for digestion. I’ve been really lucky to not have any chest treatments as my lungs are fantastic, but I still have around 30 tablets of Creon and 20 tablets for other treatments every day – this really surprises people. I think people underestimate how complex CF can be, and how difficult it can make day to day life. Growing up I realised that on the outside, I looked healthy, and this made it difficult for others to “see” the CF I was describing.

Margot, 21, who has CF

What we're doing to help

We are dedicated to creating a brighter future for everyone with cystic fibrosis, where they can live a long and healthy life. Find out more about the research we're funding to treat all of the symptoms of CF throughout the body. 

Donate today and help support our work

Donate today

Your donation will power ground-breaking research, drive campaigns to improve the standards of care and support people with CF and their loved ones every step of the way. 

#CFTruths

Over 11,000 people in the UK are living with CF, but the condition is still widely misunderstood. Our #CFTruths campaign shines a light on the truth of what everyday life is life with CF.

How does CF affect the body?

Take a look at our interactive body to find out how CF can affect someone. 

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Here to help

Our Helpline is available to anyone looking for information or support with any aspect of cystic fibrosis, a listening ear, or just to talk things through.