Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal autosomal genetically inherited disease with high morbidity within the Caucasian population. This disease is due to the defective or non-existent CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator) proteins. The lack of the CFTR proteins results in the buildup of a thick, sticky mucus within the lungs, which in turn makes it harder for the patient to breath. The patient experiences altered epithelial ion transport. This altered epithelial ion transport causes decreased hydration of the epithelial surfaces in the gut, kidney, pancreas, and airways. Respiratory bacterial infections are caused by the the decrease in the surface liquid volume which impairs mucociliary clearance, these infections dramatically
