Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that can result in frequent lung infections. Over a period of time, the disease may limit the person’s ability to breathe. Some common symptoms include persistent, chronic cough, typically with thick mucus, shortness of breath, and wheezing. A person with cystic fibrosis may begin his days with violent coughing and vomiting of thick mucus. In this condition, the mucus that is generated is thick, and not thin and runny. The mucus clogs passageways inside the body, including the lungs.
Persons suffering from cystic fibrosis may also suffer from frequent infections, like pneumonia and bronchitis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry estimates that in the United States more than 30,000 people live with this condition. The severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. There is no permanent cure for cystic fibrosis. Fortunately, life expectancies for patients have been steadily increasing over the years, and patents can now live well into their 50s.
The Social Security Administration considers cystic fibrosis to be a serious condition that can impact a person’s ability to work and earn an income. If you suffer from poor breathing, have been hospitalized at least three different times in the past 12 months, or have suffered respiratory failure in the past 12 months, your disability claim may be processed and approved quickly. Even if you do not suffer from this level of severity, you may still qualify for disability benefits.
Discuss your case with Lisa Siegel, Attorney at Law, to understand how you can provide strong evidence in support of your claim for cystic fibrosis.