Corey Pollitt, age 72, of Allentown, Pa., for his question:

WHAT IS CYSTIC FIBROSIS?

Doctors and scientists do not know exactly the nature of the inherited disease called cystic fibrosis. They know a person with the disease will secrete large amounts of thick mucus from his lungs, liver and pancreas. The patient often has difficulty in breathing because the mucus clogs his lungs. He can't digest his food completely because mucus plugs the liver and pancreas and prevents them from providing their necessary digestive enzymes.

Cystic fibrosis, also called mucviscidosis, cannot be cured, although doctors use drugs effectively to fight infections caused by the disease. Enzyme pills are also prescribed to improve digestion. Also, some patients are helped by inhaling water mist to thin the mucus in their lungs. Others sleep under mist tents into which water and infection fighting drugs are sprayed.