Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder. Specifically, cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease. This means that to get the disease, you must inherit the defective gene from both parents. Keep in mind:

• If a person inherits the gene from only one parent, he or she will not develop cystic fibrosis but will be a carrier of the disease. Carriers may pass the cystic fibrosis gene defect onto their children.
• If you are planning a pregnancy and you are white, talk to your doctor about having a genetic test to determine your chances of having a child with cystic fibrosis. The disease is much more common in white people than in people of other races.
• The way that you eat, how much you exercise, whether you smoke, or the kind of environment you live in does not cause cystic fibrosis. But if you have cystic fibrosis, changes in your environment (such as not being around smokers) or changes in your behavior (such as eating the right kinds of foods) can help you feel better and live longer.