Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. According to the American Lung Association, the average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths per minute, which amounts to more than 20,000 breaths per day. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited, obstructive lung disease caused by global obstruction of the airways by mucus that forms in the lungs, pancreas, and sweat glands. CF therefore affects the ability to breathe and ultimately kills its victims at a young age. Most people with cystic fibrosis get progressively worse, and many die between the ages of 20 and 30. Obviously, cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease and has different symptoms, complications and diagnostic studies. According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, approximately 30,000 people in the United States have the disease. Ten million more people, or about one in 30 people, carry the cystic fibrosis gene. Cystic fibrosis has been identified in all regions of the world; Caucasians are most at risk for cystic fibrosis and Asians are least likely to have it (Cystic Fibrosis. KidsHealth.org [website] URL: kidshealth.or) Cystic fibrosis is found on chromosome 7 and produces a protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. This protein regulates sodium and chloride channels. Mutations in the CF transmembrane gene modify this protein in such a way that the channels are blocked. When the thick, sticky mucus produced by a person with cystic fibrosis blocks the airways of the lungs, breathing becomes difficult and bacteria grow in the mucus, leading to serious lung infections that can damage the lungs. Pulmonary inflammation may precede chronic infection and cause respiratory decline. “The cells lining the middle of the paper… a menacing disease that not only affects the person who has it, but also affects everyone around them. The burden of living with a chronic illness at a young age can be overwhelming emotionally and physically. However, with the patient's willingness to take care of their health throughout this illness, it can be managed. Patients with cystic fibrosis should receive routine primary care, paying particular attention to nutrition, growth and development, and vaccination. It is very important that patients and their family members are as informed and educated as possible about the disease and the treatments it requires in order to identify side effects of certain medications or activities that may harm the patient's health. . KidsHealth.org [website] URL: kidshealth.or)(Medical Surgical Nursing 656).(Pediatric Nursing Essentials. 795)