What is cystic fibrosis?

cystic fibrosis is inherited diseases that affect thousands of children and adults. Cystic fibrosis that affects breathing and digestion can be life -threatening. Although there is currently no known cure for this disease, there are medical treatment that can improve the outlook for those fighting cystic fibrosis. Most individuals with cystic fibrosis live in the 1930s. Unfortunately, many die before reaching adulthood. Because cystic fibrosis is inherited, it is not contagious.

In the United States, it is estimated that one of every 30 Americans carries a gene that causes cystic fibrosis. Many individuals bear the gene, yet it does not have this disease. These people are called carriers.

In order to be born with this disease, both his parents must have the gene that causes it. When both parents bear the gene of cystic fibrosis, their child has a 25% chance of birth with this disease. Fortunately, there is a 50% chance that the child will be born an adstage and a 25% chance that it will not have a gene at all.

cystsIic fibrosis causes confusion on the movement of salt by certain cells in the body. This particularly affects the movement of salt in cells lining the lungs and pancreas, resulting in thickened sticky mucus. It also causes reinforcement of other body secretions.

thickened mucus becomes a stimulating place for bacteria to reproduce and growth. As a result, individuals with cystic fibrosis often suffer from frequent lung infections. Finally, the lungs are damaged by recurring infections.

The thickening of digestive fluids due to cystic fibrosis can cause the pipes that pass from the abdominal to the small intestine. When this happens, liquids cannot reach the small intestine. This is problematic because fluids are essential for proper food digestion. When these duct are clogged, the result of problems with growth and digestion.

There are many symptoms of cystic fibrosis, from mild to veilup to. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include cough, wheezing, frequent lung infections, poor growth and shortness of breath. Individuals with cystic fibrosis also have commonly intestinal blockages and stools that are greasy and bulky. Infertility is common in affected men.

Some couples are more at risk of transmitting a gene that causes cystic fibrosis and passes it on to its children. If the individual has a family history of cystic fibrosis, it is more likely to have a gene. A gene that causes cystic fibrosis is the most common in Caucasus. However, the disease affects individuals of all races.

There is a test of cystic fibrosis carrier for screening fibrosis pregnant or pregnancy planning. The test involves taking blood or saliva sample and sending to the laboratory to test the gene that causes the disease. Although the test is optional, many medical authorities recommend this for all couples the expected child or planning pregnancy.