Cystic fibrosis is a genetic illness that affects the lungs, pancreas and other organs. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation describes it as…
“A progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breath over time. Mutations in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene cause the CFTR protein to become dysfunctional. When the protein is not working correctly, it’s unable to help move chloride — a component of salt — to the cell surface. Without the chloride to attract water to the cell surface, the mucus in various organs become thick and sticky.“
Are people born with cystic fibrosis or do they get it later in life?
An individual is born with cystic fibrosis, although sometimes symptoms may not show up until later in life.
If only one of your parents has a carrier gene, it is impossible for you to have cystic fibrosis. However, if both of your parents are carriers, you have a significantly higher chance of having cystic fibrosis. And if both of your parents are carriers and one of them has cystic fibrosis, your chances of inheriting CF increase even more.
What other health challenges might a person with cystic fibrosis face?
CF affects the respiratory system, digestive system and reproductive system. In addition to a decrease in lung function, a person may also have cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, liver disease, infertility (in males), vitamin deficiencies, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pancreatitis.
For more information about cystic fibrosis, visit cff.org.
DISCLAIMERS
The Audience understands that the role of the Website, Life with Cystic Fibrosis, is not to prescribe or assess micro- and macronutrient levels; provide health care, medical or nutrition therapy services; or to diagnose, treat or cure any disease, condition or other physical or mental ailment of the human body. The Audience understands that the Website is not acting in the capacity of a doctor, licensed dietician-nutritionist, psychologist or other licensed or registered professional, and that any advice given is not meant to take the place of advice by these professionals. If the Audience is under the care of a health care professional or currently uses prescription medications, the Audience should discuss any dietary changes or potential dietary supplements use with his or her doctor, and should not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting his or her doctor.
The Audience has chosen to view the Website and understands that the information received should not be seen as medical or nursing advice and is not meant to take the place of seeing licensed health professionals .