New treatments are altering the lives of people with cystic fibrosis (CF) in Ireland for the better, however the COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on both the physical and mental health of those with the condition, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) has said.

It will be addressing these topics, and many more, at its annual conference next month, which will be taking place virtually.

CF is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas, stopping natural enzymes from enabling the body to break down and absorb food.

Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world, with over 1,400 people diagnosed here. Those affected experience a range of symptoms including frequent lung infections, persistent coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

According to CFI chief executive, Philip Watt, new treatments are altering the lives of people with the condition nationwide.

"The latest report from the CF Registry of Ireland shows that almost 12% of the CF population is now over 40 years of age compared with just 4% in 2009. This is very steady and encouraging progress in a relatively short period of time.

"One of the signs of hope for people with CF is that more people with the condition are feeling well enough to start a family. This would have been almost unheard of just 20 years ago," Mr Watt noted.

He said that various drug therapies, such as Orkambi, Kalydeco, Symkevi and Kaftrio, which CFI has long campaigned for, "are beginning to turn CF into a more manageable chronic disease".

However, COVID-19 has had a major impact worldwide and the results of a study about how the pandemic has altered the lives of people with CF is to be presented at the conference.

It will shine a spotlight on the significant adjustments people have had to make in their everyday lives, such as cocooning and learning/working from home, as well as increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Other topics due to be addressed include the challenges faced by those who want to start families, barriers to healthy eating, and CF-related diabetes. Key speakers at the conference will include:
-Professor Luke O'Neill of the School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, who will speak on the legacies of COVID-19
-Dr Rini Bhatnagar, a PhD researcher at University College Dublin, who will present the results of a comprehensive study on how COVID-19 has impacted the physical and mental health of people with CF
-Dr Jennifer Donnelly, a consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She will talk about the options open to people with CF wishing to start a family, the care of a woman with CF throughout her pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes for women with CF
-Prof Paul McNally, Crumlin Children's Hospital's lead CF paediatric consultant, will share his research into the impact of groundbreaking new therapies, such as Kaftrio and Orkambi.

The conference takes place on April 6-7 and it is open to people with CF and their families. Attendance is free of charge. For more information or to register, click here.