Cystic Fiberosis Essay, Research Paper

Cystic fibrosis is the most frequent lethal, genetic disease ofchildhood. Commonly called CF, this disease is caused by an inheritedgenetic defect. About one in 23 people in the United States carry atleast one defective gene, which makes it the most common geneticdefect of it s severity in the United States. It is not a contagiousdisease and there is no risk of catching it. Of children born with CF, 95% appear to be normal and healthy atbirth. The disease is then signaled by a failure to gain weight, ravenousappetite, chronic cough and recurrent respiratory disorders. People withCF suffer from chronic lung problems and digestive disorders. Thelungs of people with CF become covered with sticky mucous which ishard to remove and promotes infection from bacteria. Many people withCF require frequent hospitalizations, continuous use of antibiotics, enzymesupplements and other medications. The life expectancy of people withCF used to be around 8 years of age but with medical advances it isnow around 30, and increasing. At first the disease was treated phenomenologically, meaning as the

symptoms occur, without understanding the underlying causes. Treatments include dietary adjustments, breathing exercises, control ofinfections with antibiotics, mist tents and aerosol sprays. Normal people have 1/5th the concentration of salt in their sweat as do peoplewith CF. Also a clogging of pancreatic ducts leads to an enzymedeficiency in the intestines. This is correctable by using pancreaticsupplements. Women with CF can have children although poor heath ofthe mother may limit this. 98% of males with CF have impropertransport of sperm to the semen, therefore they are infertile. Cystic Fibrosis was once known as a children s disease. As medicaladvances increase the life expectancy of people with CF, they face anew set of problems such as going to college, getting a job, findinghealth insurance and building permanent relationships. They need to livea life along with keeping up with physical therapy and medications.According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation there are approximately40,000 people in the United States today who are suffering from CysticFibrosis.