cystic fibrosis
a genetic disease, the defective gene responsible for it being located on human CHROMOSOME no. 7. The disease affects all the MUCUS -secreting GLANDS of the LUNGS , PANCREAS , MOUTH and gastrointestinal tract and also the SWEAT GLANDS of the skin. A thick mucus is produced, which affects the production of pancreatic ENZYMES and causes the BRONCHI to widen (bronchiectasis) and become clogged. Respiratory infections are common, and the sweat contains abnormally high levels of sodium and chloride. The FAECES also contain a lot of mucus and have a foul smell. The disease is incurable and cannot be diagnosed by ANTENATAL tests.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands. It affects mostly your lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. CF causes your mucus to be thick and sticky. The mucus clogs the lungs, causing breathing problems and making it easy for bacteria to grow. This can lead to repeated lung infections and lung damage.
The symptoms and severity of CF can vary. Some people have serious problems from birth. Others have a milder version of the disease that doesn't show up until they are teens or young adults. Sometimes you will have few symptoms, but later you may have more symptoms.
CF is diagnosed through various tests, such as gene, blood, and sweat tests. There is no cure for CF, but treatments have improved greatly in recent years. In the past, most deaths from CF were in children and teenagers. Today, with improved treatments, some people who have CF are living into their forties, fifties, or older. Treatments may include chest physical therapy, nutritional and respiratory therapies, medicines, and exercise.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
cystic-fibrosis