Cystic fibrosis pathology & mechanisms of disease

In cystic fibrosis, mucus contributes to early small airways obstruction

 

The animations illustrate the airflow in a small airway vessel during inspiration (widening) and expiration (narrowing) under healthy and cystic fibrosis conditions. In a healthy small airway vessel, the laminar airflow passes smoothly alongside the mucosal folds. In cystic fibrosis, however, the thickening of the mucosa and the presence of sputum in the vessel lumen (patches) cause increased resistance and air turbulence. By using a stethoscope, this air turbulence can be heard as a crackling and wheezing sound.

Airflow through a small airway of a healthy person

Airflow through a small airway in a cystic fibrosis patient

Welcome to Medically

The Roche Science Hub

This website is a non-promotional global resource intended to facilitate transparent scientific exchange regarding developments in medical research, diagnostics, and disease management. It is intended for healthcare professionals.

Not a healthcare professional? Browse:

This global website is intended for healthcare professionals outside the UK, US, Canada and Australia. The content on this website may include scientific information about experimental or investigational compounds, indications and services that are not approved or valid in your jurisdiction. Registration status and prescribing information of medicinal products may differ between countries. Please refer to local product information for any medicinal products mentioned on this website. Information available on this website does not constitute professional medical advice, and Roche and Genentech accept no responsibility for access to or use of the same.

You are Leaving Medically

By following this link, you are leaving Roche Website and entering a site that is not owned or controlled by Roche. Roche does not take any responsibility for acces to or use of this website, nor for any content therein.