Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease of the exocrine glands affecting the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Sweat electrolytes, like sodium and chloride, are high at birth. Thick mucus can block the small airways. The problem usually becomes evident and is diagnosed in infancy or childhood. Occasionally it is diagnosed later, in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. It occurs with a wide range of severity. The minority of people with very mild forms of the disease may live into their 50's and 60's. To live into their 70's is extraordinary but not impossible. While it is possible that your uncle has CF, it is most unlikely that it wouldn
I would be very suprised if your uncle actually had cystic fibrosis. CF in a 73 year old is all but unheard of. I have been in my profession for over 11 years, and I have rarely heard or seen cases of CF with patients over 35 years old. The median age of CF patients at time of death is reported at 30 years old. And that is improving with current research and medications that are available. Maybe it's another disease that your uncle has. But again, I highly doubt it's CF. I don't think you'll find much research about CF in older patients because patients don't usually live that long, as mentioned before. Take care and good luck...
J.C.I RRT RCP