Cystic Fibrosis: A Progressive Genetic Disease

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation describes Cystic Fibrosis as “a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time” (www.cff.org). People with Cystic Fibrosis suffer from an increase of mucus buildup in the lungs, pancreas, and the liver; Cystic Fibrosis also affects the Nose and sinuses, as well as the sweat glands. The only way that CF is transmitted is by a Cystic Fibrosis positive carrier. When two positive carriers have a baby there is a 25% chance a baby will not have CF and not be a carrier; a 50% chance that the baby will have CF; and a 25% chance the baby will be a carrier and not have CF (see Fig.1).
Cystic Fibrosis causes the mucin-containing cells of the Lungs and the pancreas to produce thick and sticky mucus, rather than a thin and
This test shows if the Cystic Fibrosis
Transmission Gene (CTFR) is faulty or if it has a chance to affect the baby. Other tests include a sweat test, sinus and chest X rays, lung function testing, Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov) most diagnoses are given at birth to around 2; some are diagnosed as adults. Due to the similarity in symptoms associated with other respiratory diseases, Cystic Fibrosis can be undiagnosed or even be untreated, which can cause serious infection. Due to its inherited nature, there is no known cure to CF. Being passed down by genes makes it very difficult to prevent an affliction like this, even when the parents are screened; it is all up to random chance that the disease is present or is a faulty clone of the previous copy. There is a plethora of treatments one should consider; many treatments include: Antibiotics for removing pathogens, Breathing machines and techniques, as well as hypotonic saline to thin the mucus linings. People today have a wide variety of choices to help their problem, including lung transplant.