Cystic Fibrosis.
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a serious genetic condition that causes severe damage to the respiratory and digestive systems. This damage often results from a buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the organs. The most commonly affected organs include the:
lungs.
pancreas.
liver
intestines.
#cysticfibrosisaustralia #cysticfibrosis #cysticfibrosiscanada #cysticfibrosisnutrition #cysticfibrosisawarness #cysticfibrosisawareness #cysticfibrosislife #cysticfibrosisartists #cysticfibrosisrelateddiabetes #cysticfibrosisathlete #cysticfibrosisneedsacure #cysticfibrosisfundraiser #cysticfibrosiswarrior #cysticfibrosissucks #cysticfibrosisawarenessmonth #cysticfibrosiswalk #cysticfibrosisireland #cysticfibrosisfighter #cysticfibrosisadvocate #cysticfibrosisbaby #cysticfibrosisstrong #cysticfibrosistrust #cysticfibrosisfoundation #cysticfibrosisproblems
Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive enzymes. Normally, these secreted fluids are thin and smooth like olive oil.
What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary depending on the person and the severity of the condition. The age at which symptoms develop can also differ. Symptoms may appear at infancy, but for other children, symptoms may not begin until after puberty or even later in life. As time passes, the symptoms associated with the disease may get better or worse.
What Causes Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis occurs as a result of a defect in what’s called the “cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator” gene, or CFTR gene. This gene controls the movement of water and salt in and out of your body’s cells. A sudden mutation, or change, in the CFTR gene causes your mucus to become thicker and stickier than it’s supposed to be.
Who Is at Risk for Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is most common among Caucasians of Northern European descent. However, it’s known to occur in all ethnic groups.
People who have a family history of cystic fibrosis are also at an increased risk because it’s an inherited disorder.
How Is Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosed?
In the United States, all newborns are screened for cystic fibrosis. Doctors use a genetic test or blood test to check for signs of the disease. The genetic test detects whether your baby has a defective CFTR gene. The blood test determines whether a baby’s pancreas and liver are working correctly.
NAVIGATING LIFE WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic Fibrosis
Medically reviewed by Steve Kim, MD on January 25, 2016 — Written by Abdul Wadood Mohamed and Matthew Solan
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Diagnosis
Treatments
Outlook
Prevention
How Is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?
Although there’s no cure for cystic fibrosis, there are various treatments available that may help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Medications
Antibiotics may be prescribed to get rid of a lung infection and to prevent another infection from occurring in the future. They’re usually given as liquids, tablets, or capsules. In more severe cases, injections or infusions of antibiotics can be given intravenously, or through a vein.
How Can Cystic Fibrosis Be Prevented?
Cystic fibrosis can’t be prevented. However, genetic testing should be performed for couples who have cystic fibrosis or who have relatives with the disease.
