Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects breathing and digestion, with no known cure. It is not contagious and affects individuals of all races. Carriers have a 25% chance of passing it on to their child. Symptoms range from mild to severe and a carrier screening test is available.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects thousands of children and adults. By affecting breathing and digestion, cystic fibrosis can be life-threatening. While there is currently no known cure for the disease, there are medical treatments that can improve the outlook for those struggling with cystic fibrosis. Most people with cystic fibrosis live into their thirties. Unfortunately, however, many die before reaching adulthood. Because cystic fibrosis is hereditary, it’s not contagious.
In the United States, it is estimated that one in 30 Americans carry the gene that causes cystic fibrosis. Many individuals carry the gene but do not have the disease. These people are called carriers.
For a child to be born with the disease, both parents must have the gene that causes it. When both parents carry the cystic fibrosis gene, their child has a 25% chance of being born with the disease. Fortunately, there is a 50% chance that the child will be born a carrier and a 25% chance that he or she does not have the gene at all.
Cystic fibrosis wreaks havoc on the movement of salt through certain cells in the body. It particularly affects the movement of salt into the cells lining the lungs and pancreas, resulting in thickened, sticky mucus. It also causes other bodily secretions to thicken.
Thickened mucus becomes an encouraging place for bacteria to reproduce and grow. As a result, individuals with cystic fibrosis often experience frequent lung infections. Eventually, the lungs become damaged by recurring infections.
The thickening of digestive fluids due to cystic fibrosis can cause blockage of the ducts that run from the pancreas to the small intestine. When this happens, liquids cannot reach the small intestine. This is problematic because liquids are required for proper digestion of food. When these ducts are blocked, growth and digestive problems occur.
There are many symptoms of cystic fibrosis, ranging from mild to severe. Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include coughing, wheezing, frequent lung infections, poor growth, and shortness of breath. Individuals with cystic fibrosis also commonly have intestinal blockages and stools that are greasy and bulky. Infertility is common in affected males.
Some couples are more at risk of carrying the gene that causes cystic fibrosis and passing it on to their children. If an individual has a family history of cystic fibrosis, it is more likely that they carry the gene. The gene that causes cystic fibrosis is more common in Caucasians. However, the disease affects individuals of all races.
There is a cystic fibrosis carrier screening test available for those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The test involves taking a sample of blood or saliva and sending it to a laboratory to check for the gene that causes the disease. Although the test is elective, many medical authorities recommend it for all couples expecting a baby or planning a pregnancy.
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