Fairly stupid question about cystic fibrosis

[Pennies]

I'm doing an essay and I just want to know if a CF sufferer is classed as a disabled person if it can be "cured" via lung transplants? I don't know much about the disease and my course says that a disability is a physical impairment that is permanent.

BTW I'm assuming that it IS a disability but just need confirmation.

A lung transplant doesn't 'cure' the person of having CF.

There is more to having CF than just the impairment in lung function, so I would consider it to be a multi-system illness. Whether it is a disability or not depends on the percepion of each individual affected by it as to how much it impairs their life. BTW- that is a very dodgy definition of disability.

lung transplant doesnt cure CF. CF is quite complex, might be worth contacting someone with CF (pinkandsmiley.blogspot.com has some links to other sites i think) CF affects all of the digestive system i think, and other organs.

I know it doesn't cure it it, hence the "" but I understand it can ease the symptoms and prolong life expectancy.

Totally agree with you about the disability definition. Not much cop is it.

Cystic fibrosis sufferers are assessed as to the level of how their mobility is affected by their disease.

They may then be entitled to claim Disability Living Allowance. Perhaps this contributes to a definition of "disabled". However, it appears to very arbitrary as to who is awarded the allowance and whether it is in part or full so I think perhaps not.

Lung transplants in CF are rare as opposed to a normal part of the treatment. They prolong life or quality of life but are in no way a cure. The mainstay of management is daily antibiotic treatment which may be in tablet or nebuliser form, dietary/vitamin supplements, medications to thin the thick mucous in the lungs, various other meds and regular chest physiotherapy. Perhaps how long each individual spends each day staying well (can be several hours in some cases) is a measure of how much a sufferers life is different to an "able-bodied" person.

Good luck with your essay. Try the CF Trust for further information. www.CFtrust.org.uk