Cystic Fibrosis
Karissa Fredrickson
Cystic Fibrosis description.
CF is when there is an overabundance of thick and sticky mucus produced by the linings of body tissues in your lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. It is most common in the lungs and pancreas. When a mutation changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt is how this mucus is created. The mucus can cause a blockage of airway, inflammations, infections, permanent lung damage, and malnutrition and vitamin deficiency. A number of health issues in CF patients can be caused from losing a significant amount of salt through sweating. People with this condition are at a greater risk for diabetes, osteoporosis, and fertility difficulties. There are more than 1,000 defects that can affect the Cystic Fibrosis gene. The severity of this disease depends on the type of gene mutation. In order to get CF you must have both parents genes passed down to you and even then there is only a 25% chance you will get it. If only one parent passes the gene down than you will be a carrier. Cystic fibrosis is a recessive trait.
Who discovered Cystic Fibrosis?
American pathologist Dr. Dorothy Anderson discovered this disease in 1938.
What are the signs and symptoms of this disorder?
Salty tasting skin, persistent coughing, lung infections including pneumonia or bronchitis, wheezing/shortness of breath, poor growth or weight gain, exercise intolerance, or intestinal blockage.
How often does this occur in the population and is it more frequent among certain gender or ethnicity?
Of all ethnics, CF occurs in every 1 in 2,500-3,500 white newborns compared to about 1 in 17,000 African Americans and 1 in 31,000 Asians. This condition is not gender specific and in fact, occurs in both men and women with about the same percentage.
What type of treatments are given for someone who has this disorder?
Airway clearance techniques (oral), inhaled and nebulized medications, nutritional therapies, fitness plans, DNA enzyme therapy, breathing in salt concentrations, flu and bacterial vaccines, percussion vest, or a lung transplant if absolutely necessary. Most of these treatments clear the mucus by causing you to cough it up.
What is the typical prognosis of somebody with Cystic Fibrosis?
The average lifespan of a CF patient is around 40 years old. In the past, many didn't live past grade school. As the lung becomes less and less able to function the individual will become disabled. The most common death in CF patients is due to complications with their lungs.