Cytistic Fibrosis
A Birth Defect
Why is it important? Is it preventable? How do we control it?
Get Answeres!
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene which causes the body to produce a thick and sticky form of mucus. This mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas.
This collection of sticky mucus could cause lung infections and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat glands and a man's reproductive system.
Millions of Americans carry the defective CF gene, but do not have any symptoms.
That's because a person with CF must inherit TWO defective CF genes from each parent.
The symptoms include: Failure to gain weight normally during childhood
no bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life, or even salty tasting skin.
Most children with CF are diagnosed by age 2. A small number, however are not diagnosed until age 18 or older. These patients usually have a milder form of the disease.
There symptoms my include: Infertility in men ,repeated inflammation of the pancreas or respiratory symptoms
Treatments may include: Asthma inhalence to loosen the mucus, excersise, physical therapy for your chest areas and medicines.The most commonly used treatment is antibioitics.
Below is a picture of a patient taking an inhaler.