What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.
Causes
It is a disorder that occurs due to mutation in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator {CFTCR} gene. This gene codes for a product that influences the production of mucus, digestive juices and sweat. In the cystic fibrosis patients both the copies of these genes. Two defective genes from each parent are necessary for manifestation of the disorder. An estimated 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene. The disease is the most common, deadly, inherited disorder affecting Caucasians in the United States. It's more common among those of Northern or Central European descent.
Defeats
Birth defects can be caused by genetic, environmental, or unknown factors. For most birth defects, the cause is believed to be an interaction of a number of genetic and environmental factors. Birth defects are defined as abnormalities of structure, function, or body metabolism that are present at birth. Major birth defects are abnormalities that lead to developmental or physical disabilities or require medical or surgical treatment. There are more than 4,000 different known birth defects, ranging from minor to serious, and although many can be treated or cured, they're the leading cause of death in the first year of life.
Symptoms
If your baby does have CF, he may have these signs and symptoms that can be mild or serious: * Coughing or wheezing * Having lots of mucus in the lungs * Many lung infections, like pneumonia and bronchitis * Shortness of breath * Salty skin * Slow growth, even with a big appetite * Meconium ileus, when meconium gets stuck in a newborn’s intestine. Meconium is a baby's first bowel