Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system. Because this disease limits breathing ability, it is a life-threatening disease. In the United States alone, 30,000 people have cystic fibrosis and 1,000 new cases of CF are diagnosed every year. Over half the of the people with CF are over the age of 18. (About Cystic Fibrosis)
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene that changes the protein that controls the salt in and out of the cell. There are many different mutation which can change the severity of the disease in each case. For this to be passed on a child must receive one copy of the gene from each parent to develop this disease. If a child receives a copy from only one parent then …show more content…

Caused by a the gene CFTR that is attached to chromosome 7. This gene produces the protein CFTR that is associated with the ATP Binding Cassette family which controls transmembrane transporting. CFTR is an anion and uses the ion channel to allow flow of those ions in and out of the cell. Meaning, it plays a specific role in absorption and secretion. When this gene has been mutated, it is unable to perform effectively, leaving exocrine based organs unprotected. (Human Genome Cystic Fibrosis)
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary from case to case, but the most common symptoms include male infertility, persistent coughing, salty-tasting skin, frequent lung infections such as penuomonia and bronchitis, shortness of breath, wheezing, weight-loss, and difficult bowel movements. Often times the acronym, CF, to represent cystic fibrosis. People with cystic fibrosis make it a very big priority to have minimal contact with …show more content…

During this process, the blood is tested for higher levels of immunoreactive trypsinogen or IRT. The sweat test is another test used to test the amount of salt in the sweat and see if it is higher than normal. A blood test can also check the DNA to see if the gene that can cause Cystic Fibrosis is defected. These tests are usually done on infants and they must be tested at Cystic Fibrosis specialized clinic. (Mayo Clinic Staff)
Today the life expectancy for someone with cystic fibrosis is their 40’s. Which is a massive improvement considering 50 years ago, people with this only survived through elementary school. Although many people who suffer with this disease are now able to live out their dreams, have careers, and families, there is still no

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