Symptoms
-Very salty(tasting skin)
-Persistent coughing at times with phlegm
-Frequent lung infections
-Wheezing or shortness of breath
-Poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite
-Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements
How common is this dissorder?
-About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year
-More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two
-More than 45% of the cystic fibrosis patient population is age 18 or older
-The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in the late 30's
How is CF diagnosed?
-Most people ate diagnosed with CF at birth through newborn screening, or before the age of two.
How is CF inherited? Does everyone who has a mutant gene for the protein have cystic fibrosis?
-If parents have it you have a chance of getting it.-No, both parents have it you have CF and the kids will have a 25% chance of getting it.
Explain the normal functions of the protein that is defective in CF?
-The basic defect in CF arises particularly in the epithelial cells living the airways of the lung.
What happens to this protein in CF patients and what are the consequences for the health of these individuals?
-The vital chloride channel is blocked which means there is no movement of chloride ions into the mucus. With no ionic gradient, there is no need for Watertown move towards the surface and the mucus dries out.
Explain at least 3 treatments for the symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
-Lung transplant-Go into surgery and replace a lung with a healthy lung.
-Liver transplant-Go into surgery and replace the diseased liver and replace it with a healthy liver.
-Gene therapy-Altering the genes inside your bodys cells to stop the disease.
Discuss at least 3 ways for patents to help their children who have CF?
-Drink lots of fluid-Fluid intake can help thin the mucus in your lungs.
-Exercise-Helps loosen mucus in your airways and strengthens your heart and lungs.
-Elliminate smoke-Don't smoke or allow others to smoke around you.
