The number of people living with the hereditary disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), into adulthood is expected to increase significantly by 2025, a new study has found.

According to the figures, by 2025, the number of adults living with CF in Ireland will have jumped by 65% when compared to the figures for 2010. In the UK, a 79% increase is projected.

CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. It is caused by a defective gene, which along with its protein product, causes the body to produce unusually thick and sticky mucous.

This mucous clogs the lungs, leading to potentially life-threatening lung infections. It also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from aiding the body to break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, most people with CF died in their first few years of life, but now, due to major medical advances, people can expect to live until at least their 30s and 40s.

For the first time, researchers have provided forecasts for the number of adults living with the disease in over 30 countries throughout Europe by 2025.

Their results revealed that in the 16 countries where reliable CF data exists, the number of adults with the disease is expected to increase by around 75%.

In the six countries found to have the most reliable data - the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and the Czech Republic - the biggest increase will be found in the Netherlands, which is expected to record a 96% increase in adults with CF by 2025.

The smallest increase will be found in Denmark (27%).

Among the other 10 countries with reliable data, including Ireland, Germany, Sweden and Slovenia, the biggest increase is expected in Moldova (213%), while the smallest increase is expected in Latvia (50%).

"The estimations we have made show very positive news for cystic fibrosis patients as the average survival age is increasing," commented one of the study's authors, Prof Pierre-Regis Burgel of the Cochin Hospital in Paris, France.

However, he warned that because of these rising numbers, there is now a concern that there are ‘insufficient specialist centres to provide optimal care to adults with the disease'.

The study noted that many CF centres focus on paediatric care, therefore if these projections are correct, many adults with CF throughout Europe will not be able to access appropriate care.

"Healthcare systems will need to adapt to this change, particularly in countries with less well-established adult services," Prof Bugel said.

Details of these findings are published in the European Respiratory Journal.