Cystic Fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive trait on chromosome 7. This disorder affects chloride transport resulting in abnormal mucus production. This lifelong illness usually gets more severe with age and can affect both males and females. Symptoms and severity differ from person to person. Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal inherited disease among whites and the major cause of chronic lung disease in children. 50% of people are expected to live to be 30, but a majority die before age thirteen. 1:2000 whites have cystic fibrosis, 1:17000 blacks, 1:6000 live births, 1:2500 Americans, and 1:20 is a carrier. The genes are inherited in pairs, with one gene com