Overview of Cystic Fibrosis

1107 Words3 Pages

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a very common, potentially life threatening condition. The disease is caused by inheritance, and affects the exocrine glands of the patient. Cystic fibrosis is found primarily among Caucasians and those of European descent. Those diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis battle daily to perform simple tasks, such as breathing, as the mucus in their bodies thickens immensely. This mucus will potentially accumulate in the patient’s vital organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. One can determine if he/she has cystic fibrosis by analyzing certain symptoms. Cystic Fibrosis can be diagnosed according to the symptoms the patient shows, and can be treated through specific types of treatments, such as gene therapy. 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. Those who have relatives diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis are at an automatic increased risk to have the disease. For example, in order for a child to have cystic fibrosis, their parents must be carriers of the CF gene. “One CF gene fr... ... middle of paper ... ...gous to the gene, there is a twenty-five percent chance that the chid will be health, a twenty-five percent chance that the child will have the disease, and a fifty percent chance that the child will carry CF. In conclusion, Cystic Fibrosis is a very common lifelong condition. This disease causes thickening of the mucus, tears, sweat, and saliva, trouble breathing, and trouble digesting food. If one shows such symptoms, they should immediately contact their doctor or physician. As this disease is potentially life threatening, it is important for people to check to see if they carry or have CF, and begin treatment immediately if they do, in fact, have the disease. Works Cited "Cystic Fibrosis Federation Australia Quick Facts." Cystic Fibrosis Federation Australia Quick Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan. 2014. .

Open Document