MUSCAT: There has been a significant rise in the number of people with Cystic Fibrosis Disease (CF) in the country, according to a top physician at the Royal Hospital.

Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive genetic disease affecting children due to a genetic defect inherited from both parents carrying the same infected gene. This physiological defect results in thick and sticky mucus that accumulates all over the body, which causes a blockage in the tubes and channels, especially in the lungs and pancreas.  

“This disease is being diagnosed at a very early age due to symptoms onset during childhood. The disease may get worse and lead to respiratory failure and death,” said
Dr. Sumaiya Al-Araimi, Senior Consultant & Head of Pediatric Respiratory Unit at the Royal Hospital

“CF is most common in the Caucasian societies and rare among Asian people. More than 2000 gene mutations are linked to this disease. The number of cases infected with Cystic Fibrosis is significantly increasing annually in the Sultanate. The disease is being diagnosed due to the advanced level of medical staff and devices in the Royal Hospital and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital,” Al Araimi said.

According to a statement from Ministry of Health, since 2006, there has been 224 infected cases and 51 deaths reported in the country. 122 patients are undergoing treatment at the Royal Hospital. “The gene mutations in the Sultanate have been defined and 19 unknown genes responsible for this disease have been found. Therefore, it is important to conduct premarital screening in order to reduce the infection of this disease in the Sultanate,” the statement added.