Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, inherited, life threatening disease that affects organs in the body, because of sticky and thick mucus buildup on organs. The organs that are affected are the liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestine, which does damage to the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems (Crosta). Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in a gene called cystic fibrosis trans-membrane regulator, also called CFTR, which has an important function of creating sweat, mucus and digestive juices (Crostra).
The CFTR gene is a transporter gene that contains codes that tells cells how to behave. It is also located in the seventh chromosome, in which it’s responsible for regulating salt and water movement between cells. When the CFTR gene contains a mutation, which is being prevented from doing its job, cystic fibrosis occurs. There are about 1500 CFTR mutations in six different categories, which are known to have a cause to cystic fibrosis, although each category of mutations affects the CTFR gene in a different way. The mutation causes a change in the code, so sodium and chloride doesn’t flow properly across the cell membrane. This results in the mucus becoming thick and sticky, which causes problems to people with cystic fibrosis (Alma).
Normally, mucus is a slippery, watery substance that lines organs to keep them moist and prevent drying out or getting infected, but when one has cystic fibrosis, mucus is thick and sticky. The thick mucus builds up in the lungs and blocks the airways, which makes it easy for bacteria to grow. When the bacteria begin to grow, it leads to serious lung infections and over time causes severe damage to your lungs (“What is Cystic Fibrosis?”). Digestion problems can occur when the thick mucus block...
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...ine, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
“Cystsic Fibrosis and the Digestive System.’’ Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
“Cystsic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System.’’ Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
“Cystsic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System.’’ Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
Karleshiro, Neil K. “Cystic Fibrosis.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Seattle: A.D.A.M., 2012. MedlinePlus. 18 Nov. 2013.
Mayo Clinic Staff. Cystic Fibrosis. Mayo Clinic, 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
“What is Cystic Fibrosis?.” National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institue. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2011. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.
Membranes are involved in Cystic Fibrosis when it comes to the genes that are prone to the disease. In a regular functioning body, the CFTR gene helps make the channel that transports charged chloride ions into and out of cell membranes. In a body with cystic fibrosis, the chloride channels don’t function properly, and do not allow chloride ions into and out of the cell membranes, causing the thick mucus (as mentioned earlier) to be produced. The concentration gradients are involved when it comes to moving these molecules and ions across the cell membranes with passive and active transport. Passive transport substances move down concentration gradients while active transport substances move against their concentration gradients (keep in mind this is in a healthy functioning body). With cystic fibrosis, there is a defect in the transport protein, which does not move through the concentration gradient
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Pathophysiology: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease of the secretory glands that affects the respiratory and digestive system. It mainly affects the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and reproductive organs. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive fluids. Mucus becomes thick and sticky, causing build-up in the lungs and blocking airways, making it easier for bacteria to develop. This prompts repeated lung infections and can cause severe lung damage after some time.
Sequeiros, IM, Jarad, NA. 2009. Home intravenous antibiotic treatment for acute pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis-Is it good for the patient?. Annals of Thoracic Medicine 4(3), pp. 111-114.
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a life-altering event. During this time, life is not only difficult for the patient, but also for their loved ones. Families must learn to cope together and to work out the best options for the patient and the rest of the family. Although it may not be fair at times, things may need to be centered on or around the patient no matter what the circumstance. (Abbott, 2003) Sacrifices may have to be made during difficult times. Many factors are involved when dealing with chronic illnesses. Coping with chronic illnesses alter many different emotions for the patients and the loved ones. Many changes occur that are very different and difficult to get used to. (Abbott, 2003) It is not easy for someone to sympathize with you when they haven’t been in the situation themselves. No matter how many books they read or people they talk to, they cannot come close to understanding.
In the Shadow of Illness, the book describes different experiences of families who have or had children with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is an inherited disease that is passed on from the mother or father who is a carrier, but doesn’t have the condition. Doctors have figured that in this scenario, the parents are likely to have a child with CF. Individuals with CF have to take Cotazymes to help the pancreas digest food. If the person does not take these enzymes, the food goes straight through them as diarrhea. Also, the person’s lungs are affected by a thick mucus that must be removed or thinned before it clogs. Doctors recommend the patient to perform daily breathing exercises that prevent the mucus from thickening; for example, swimming
Cystic Fibrosis is a lifelong disease that has a harsh negative affect on many vital organs, some of which include the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This disease causes the mucus, tears, and sweat of the patient to be considerably thick. However, the thickness of such mucus is determined by the severity of the patient’s Cystic Fibrosis. This mucus affects the breathing of those diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, and many have reported an additional trouble with digesting food. One is most likely to have Cystic Fibrosis if their families have a history of such a disease. Therefore, Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that is recessively passed down to proceeding generations. Additionally, this disease most commonly affects those who are Caucasian or of European descent.
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucous that can cause severe damage to the body’s organs. Mucous is usually a slippery substance that lubricates and protects the linings of the airway, digestive system, reproductive system and other organs and tissue. Problems with digestion can lead to diarrhea, malnutrition, poor growth, and weight-loss. Due to the abnormally thick mucous it can can clog airways, leading to breathing problems and bacterial infections in the lungs. Bacterial infections can lead to coughing, wheezing and inflammation. Overtime these infections can lead to permanent damage in the lungs including the formation of scar tissue, known as fibrosis and cysts in the lungs (Genetics Home Reference, 2013). The symptoms and signs of this disease vary but mostly include progressive damage to the respiratory system and chronic digestive system problems. An individuals’ lungs who are infected by cystic fibrosis have bacteria from an early stage. This bacteria can spread to the small airways, leading to the formation of bacterial micro-environments known as biofilms. Biofilms are difficult for antibodies to penetrate, therefore the bacteria repeatedly damage the lung and gradually remodel the airways, resulting in difficultly to eradicate the infection (Welsh, 1995). Cystic fibrosis patients may even have their airways chronically colonized be filamentous fungi and/or yeasts. Most men with cystic fibrosis have congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), a condition in which the tubes that carry sperm are blocked by mucous and do not develop properly. As well, women may experience complications in pregnancy. Either the c...
Heart Failure Overview WebMD Reviewed by Thomas M. Maddox, MD on May 28, 2012 http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/heart-failure-overview
Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) is an ovulation disorder and infertility that occurs in many women. Polycystic ovaries syndrome dates back to 1845 where it was described in a French manuscript as being “changes in the ovaries”. It was called “sclerocystic”. Polycystic ovaries syndrome is a problem that occurs in with the ovaries. A “polycystic ovary is characterized as being a tough, thickened, shiny white covering overlying a layer of many small cysts just under the ovarian surface.” (Thatcher, 10). That was the description that was found in the French manuscript and is still being used to this day for doctors to define polycystic ovaries. A wedge resection in the early 1900’s was the first form of treatment for this syndrome. PCOS involves more than just the ovaries filled with small cysts. Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome causes infertility in women.
What Is Polio? What Causes Polio?. (n.d.). Medical News Today. Retrieved October 23, 2013, from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/
http://kidshealth.org/kid/cancer_center/HTBW/digestive_system.html ( I didnt copy direct quotes, however I had used the idea of the beginning in my research on the digestive system to help the reader better understand the system)
Parker, Steve. "Chronic Pulmonary Diseases." The Human Body Book. New ed. New York: DK Pub., 2007.
Chronic bronchitis is a disorder that causes inflammation to the airway, mainly the bronchial tubules. It produces a chronic cough that lasts three consecutive months for more than two successive years (Vijayan,2013). Chronic Bronchitis is a member of the COPD family and is prominently seen in cigarette smokers. Other factors such as air pollutants, Asbestos, and working in coal mines contributes to inflammation. Once the irritant comes in contact with the mucosa of the bronchi it alters the composition causing hyperplasia of the glands and producing excessive sputum (Viayan,2013). Goblet cells also enlarge to contribute to the excessive secretion of sputum. This effects the cilia that carry out the mechanism of trapping foreign bodies to allow it to be expelled in the sputum, which are now damaged by the irritant making it impossible for the person to clear their airway. Since the mechanism of airway clearance is ineffective, the secretion builds up a thickened wall of the bronchioles causing constriction and increasing the work of breathing. The excessive build up of mucous could set up pneumonia. The alveoli are also damaged enabling the macrophages to eliminate bacteria putting the patient at risk for acquiring an infection.
“Managing Infertility.” USNews.com. Stanford University Medical Center, 31 Mar. 2007. Web. 22 Mar. 2010. .
We have all heard stories of a friend or family member trying to conceive but failing at it for unknown reasons. They spend years, thousands of dollars and many tears only to still not conceive. Then, the woman is finally given the diagnosis of endometriosis. Based on statistical evidence and studies endometriosis is the leading cause of infertility in woman of reproductive age. Not only is it a devastating diagnosis but also an extremely hard disease to diagnosis. At times getting misdiagnosed and ignored by medical professionals. Leading to more years of pain for the woman suffering from a very debilitating disease.