What is cystic fibrosis and how does it affect Caitlin Magagna?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder causing thick mucus buildup in the lungs and other organs, leading to infections and irreversible damage. For Caitlin, it necessitates daily treatments and hospitalizations.

How did the drug Trikafta help Caitlin Magagna with cystic fibrosis?

Trikafta, a new therapy targeting the underlying cause of CF, significantly improved Caitlin's lung function and allowed her to live without hospital admissions for months, effectively restoring her quality of life.

Why is cystic fibrosis considered an invisible disability in Australia?

Cystic fibrosis is often invisible because individuals like Caitlin appear healthy on the outside, despite facing severe internal health challenges and requiring extensive medical care.

Home / Health / Invisible Illness: Young Woman's Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis

Invisible Illness: Young Woman's Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis

30 Nov

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Summary

Caitlin Magagna lives with cystic fibrosis, a debilitating inherited condition.
A new drug, Trikafta, dramatically improved her health after previous treatments failed.
CF is Australia's most common inherited chronic illness, yet often remains unseen.

Invisible Illness: Young Woman's Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis

At 26, Melbourne resident Caitlin Magagna navigates life with cystic fibrosis (CF), a chronic and incurable genetic condition impacting her lungs, pancreas, and digestive system. Despite living a seemingly normal life, Caitlin battles a daily reality of medication, breathing treatments, and hospital visits due to the thick mucus CF causes in her airways.

Her condition worsened significantly in 2023, with lung function dropping to 33 percent and transplant being considered. A breakthrough arrived with the drug Trikafta, which targets the root cause of CF. Initially inaccessible due to cost, compassionate access and later PBS listing brought hope and life-changing improvements.

CF is the most common inherited chronic illness in Australia, affecting over 3,700 individuals, yet it often goes unrecognized. Caitlin advocates for increased awareness, emphasizing that visible health does not equate to internal well-being and challenging the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses.