Definition:
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease common in Caucassians which directly affects the digestive system and the lungs and is considered life-threatening. Because of a defective gene called cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the mucus, digestive juices, sweat and saliva become thick and sticky, obstructing the passageways especially in the lungs and pancreas.
Diagnosis:
The sweat test is considered the most useful among all other test for diagnosing CF. Other tests are Chest x-ray, Lung Infection Test, and Sinus X-rays and Sputum cultures.
Treatment:
There is no direct cure for CF, but treatments are directed on symptoms of the disease. Antibiotics, exercise, chest physical therapy, controlling of lung infection, preventing blockages in intestines and providing adequate nutrition are the most common treatments for people with CF.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of CF may differ with age. For newborns, the mucus becomes thick making it impossible to pass through the intestines. In children and young adults, the symptoms include, bowel obstruction, greasy stools, growth delay, unusually thick sputum, wheezing, chest infections with chronic bronchitis and rectal prolapse.
Causes:
Cystic Fibrosis is genetic. A child who has CF most likely inherited an abnormal gene from both parents. If only one parent carries an abnormal gene, the child will have no signs of CF and will live a normal life, but becomes a carrier.
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