Cystic Fibrosis
By: Brandy Wathen
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a life threatening hereditary disease that causes the body to produce abnormally thick mucus. The abnormally thick mucus builds up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas in the body. Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common chronic diseases in children and young adults.
Causes of Cystic Fibrosis and complications
- A defect in the CFTR gene
- Children who inherit one faulty CFTR gene and one normal CFTR gene are "CF carriers."
- CF carriers usually have no symptoms of CF and live normal lives.
two common complications
- Diabetes
- Bone Thinning Disorder
Testing and Treatment
Testing
- Genetic Testing
- Sweat Test
- Chest X-ray
- Prenatal testing
There is no cure but treatments have improved
- Exercise Training
- Nutritional counseling
- Breathing Strategies
- Medicines
Life Outlook and Prevention
- People have checkups every 3 months
- Early treatment for CF can improve your quality of life and increase your lifespan.
- Today people are living into their forties or fifties, or longer
- you may have serious lung and digestive problems