During the 1930’s and 40’s, the majority of children diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis died in the first couple years of their lives. ("Prognosis") This unfortunate reality is caused by the effect of the inherited disease, Cystic Fibrosis; this sickness is caused by the build-up of excess mucus that has the potential to permanently damage one’s lungs. Cystic Fibrosis, also known as CF, Cystic Fibrosis of Pancreas, Fibrocystic Disease of Pancreas, or Mucoviscidosis, is a non-contagious genetic disease that works by producing mucus that is abnormally thick and sticky, and can ultimately kill the patient. Mucus, as most are aware of, is a slippery substance that lubricates and protects the linings of the airways, digestive system, reproductive system,
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The effects that Cystic Fibrosis can have on an individual can be catastrophic. Most importantly, the severity of the symptoms varies among individuals. Generally speaking, Cystic Fibrosis causes progressive damage to the respiratory system and digestive system issues. Specifically, infections in the lungs cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and inflammations, that can become permanent overtime. Additionally, the excess mucus produced blocks ducts of insulin, leading to a unique form of diabetes. (Genetics Home Reference) While the lung cells are not able to last as long as normal, pneumonia and bronchitis can arise as additional symptoms, along with greasy stool and salty-tasting skin. (Genetics Disorders Library) As said before, Cystic Fibrosis has an effect on an individual’s sweat glands. Too much salt is lost in the sweat; as a result, the delicate balance of minerals in the body can be disrupted. The loss of too much salt can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Lastly, without the CFTR gene, the digestive enzymes are forced to digest the pancreas itself. In a similar way, the body’s immune system sends enzymes to kill the bacteria in the lungs, but without this gene, the lung tissue is destroyed accidentally. (Your Genes, Your Health) Other than the fact that a sick individual has these symptoms and a healthy one does not, they continue to have differences. An individual with Cystic Fibrosis must eat 30% more food than others due to their difficulty with absorbing nutrients. To address the same struggle, at each meal they are advised to eat tablets containing pancreatic
The effects that Cystic Fibrosis can have on an individual can be catastrophic. Most importantly, the severity of the symptoms varies among individuals. Generally speaking, Cystic Fibrosis causes progressive damage to the respiratory system and digestive system issues. Specifically, infections in the lungs cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and inflammations, that can become permanent overtime. Additionally, the excess mucus produced blocks ducts of insulin, leading to a unique form of diabetes. (Genetics Home Reference) While the lung cells are not able to last as long as normal, pneumonia and bronchitis can arise as additional symptoms, along with greasy stool and salty-tasting skin. (Genetics Disorders Library) As said before, Cystic Fibrosis has an effect on an individual’s sweat glands. Too much salt is lost in the sweat; as a result, the delicate balance of minerals in the body can be disrupted. The loss of too much salt can also lead to abnormal heart rhythms. Lastly, without the CFTR gene, the digestive enzymes are forced to digest the pancreas itself. In a similar way, the body’s immune system sends enzymes to kill the bacteria in the lungs, but without this gene, the lung tissue is destroyed accidentally. (Your Genes, Your Health) Other than the fact that a sick individual has these symptoms and a healthy one does not, they continue to have differences. An individual with Cystic Fibrosis must eat 30% more food than others due to their difficulty with absorbing nutrients. To address the same struggle, at each meal they are advised to eat tablets containing pancreatic