Cystic Fibrosis is a debilitating, inherited disease which affects the lives of many Americans. There are many symptoms which can be indicative of Cystic Fibrosis. There is no known cure for Cystic Fibrosis, yet there are a variety of treatments. Treatment can assist a victim in managing Cystic Fibrosis and ultimately increase life span. What are the causes, diagnosis process, and treatments for Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is a life shortening disease which causes an abnormal collection of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. “Mucus is a substance made by tissues that line some organs and body cavities, such as the lungs and nose. Normally, mucus is a slippery, watery substance. In victims of Cystic Fibrosis it becomes thick …show more content…
The CTRF stands for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; it is found on chromosome 7. The CTRF gene makes a protein which controls how salt and water move in and out of the body’s cells.” (Medicine, 1996-2015) “This protein functions as a channel across the membrane of cells which produce mucus, sweat, saliva, tears, and digestive enzymes.” (Genetics, 2015) Victims of Cystic Fibrosis, have a defective CTRF gene. People with only one copy of the defective gene are called carriers. “About 1 in every 31 Americans is a carrier of the defective Cystic Fibrosis gene, yet do not have the disease. There are more than 10 million carriers in the United States.” (Cystic, n.d.) Cystic Fibrosis is an Autosomal Recessive genetic disease. “An Autosomal Recessive Disorder means two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop.” (Medicine, 1996-2015) This means both parents must be carriers in order to have a child with Cystic Fibrosis.
“Each time two carriers of Cystic Fibrosis have a child, there is a one in four chance the child will have Cystic Fibrosis, a two in four chance the child will be a carrier, and a one in four chance the child will be completely unaffected.” (Definition, n.d) Cystic Fibrosis is present in both boys and …show more content…
Problems with gaining and keeping on weight are common symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis. Excess mucus prevents the normal absorption of key nutrients and fat, which in turn leads to poor digestion and slowed growth. “Without these digestive juices, the intestines can't absorb fats and proteins completely; therefore nutrients pass out of the body unused rather than helping the body grow.” (Kids, 1995-2015) The lack of digestive juices can cause bulky stools, intestinal gas, and abdominal discomfort. The deficiency of key nutrients, which are normally absorbed from a healthy diet, cause a decreased ability to fight infection. This means people with Cystic Fibrosis are more susceptible to catching disease and have a weaker immune system. People with Cystic Fibrosis lose large amounts of salt when they sweat. “Low salt levels cause an unhealthy imbalance in minerals which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure and heat stroke.” (What, 2005-2015)
Most of the other signs and symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis affect the respiratory system. These include: wheezing, excessive coughing, repeated lung infections, and stuffed up
Cystic Fibrosis is a life shortening disease which causes an abnormal collection of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. “Mucus is a substance made by tissues that line some organs and body cavities, such as the lungs and nose. Normally, mucus is a slippery, watery substance. In victims of Cystic Fibrosis it becomes thick …show more content…
The CTRF stands for Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator; it is found on chromosome 7. The CTRF gene makes a protein which controls how salt and water move in and out of the body’s cells.” (Medicine, 1996-2015) “This protein functions as a channel across the membrane of cells which produce mucus, sweat, saliva, tears, and digestive enzymes.” (Genetics, 2015) Victims of Cystic Fibrosis, have a defective CTRF gene. People with only one copy of the defective gene are called carriers. “About 1 in every 31 Americans is a carrier of the defective Cystic Fibrosis gene, yet do not have the disease. There are more than 10 million carriers in the United States.” (Cystic, n.d.) Cystic Fibrosis is an Autosomal Recessive genetic disease. “An Autosomal Recessive Disorder means two copies of an abnormal gene must be present in order for the disease or trait to develop.” (Medicine, 1996-2015) This means both parents must be carriers in order to have a child with Cystic Fibrosis.
“Each time two carriers of Cystic Fibrosis have a child, there is a one in four chance the child will have Cystic Fibrosis, a two in four chance the child will be a carrier, and a one in four chance the child will be completely unaffected.” (Definition, n.d) Cystic Fibrosis is present in both boys and …show more content…
Problems with gaining and keeping on weight are common symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis. Excess mucus prevents the normal absorption of key nutrients and fat, which in turn leads to poor digestion and slowed growth. “Without these digestive juices, the intestines can't absorb fats and proteins completely; therefore nutrients pass out of the body unused rather than helping the body grow.” (Kids, 1995-2015) The lack of digestive juices can cause bulky stools, intestinal gas, and abdominal discomfort. The deficiency of key nutrients, which are normally absorbed from a healthy diet, cause a decreased ability to fight infection. This means people with Cystic Fibrosis are more susceptible to catching disease and have a weaker immune system. People with Cystic Fibrosis lose large amounts of salt when they sweat. “Low salt levels cause an unhealthy imbalance in minerals which can lead to dehydration, fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure and heat stroke.” (What, 2005-2015)
Most of the other signs and symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis affect the respiratory system. These include: wheezing, excessive coughing, repeated lung infections, and stuffed up