Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis


Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive and chronic disease. The passageways in many of the body’s organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas become clogged as a result of this disease. The passageways become clogged because mucus in the body because thick, dry and sticky. People with cystic fibrosis only have an average life expectancy of about 30 years. This is mainly a result of the complications of the disease. In the lungs, it can cause serious breathing problems and in the pancreas, it can result in malnutrition and corresponding problems in growth and development.

Cystic fibrosis is a type of genetic disorder. This type of genetic disorder is known as an autosomal recessive disease. This means that to have the disease, a person must inherit a certain gene from both of their biological parents. If a person inherits the gene from only one parent, he or she is only classed as a carrier. This means that the person carries the gene for this disease, but does not suffer from the effects of the disease itself. If someone has received the gene from both of their parents, than this defect that occurs causes problems with the way salt and water move in and out of mucus-producing cells in the body, which causes the mucus to become thick, dry and sticky. Things such as the environment, diet, exercise or other external factors do not cause CF. It is not contagious so it can only be passed from one person to another through inheritance.

Cystic fibrosis is usually diagnosed during childhood. Some babies who have the disease may show signs of it immediately but other may not develop symptoms until later on in their lives. The first respiratory symptom of CF is a cough. This will most develop into a repetitive cycle between lung infection and inflammation. This cycle results in lung damage, and as this increases, things such as shortness of breath occur and it becomes harder for the individual to exercise. This lu...