Sara+C

= Cystic Fibrosis =

Description - disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threating disorder. Symptoms : - In Newborns - Other Symptoms
 * Delayed growth
 * Faliure to gain weight normally
 * No bowel movements in first 24 to 48 hours of life
 * Salty-tasting skin
 * Belly pain from severe constipation
 * Increased gas, bloating, or a belly that appears swollen (distended)
 * Nausea and loss of appetite
 * Weight loss
 * Coughing or increased mucus in the sinuses or lungs
 * Fatigue
 * Recurrent episodes of pneumonia
 * - ** Symptoms that may be noticed later in life
 * Infertility (in men)
 * Repeated inflammation of the pancreas
 * Respitory symptoms

Treatments for lung problems ** : **
 * Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections. They may be taken by mouth, or given in the veins or by breathing treatments. People with cystic fibrosis may take antibiotics only when needed, or all the time. Doses are usually higher than normal.
 * Inhaled medicines to help open the airways
 * High concentration of salt solutions (hypertonic saline)
 * Flu vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) yearly (ask your health care provider)
 * Lung Transplant is an option in some cases
 * Oxygen therapy may be needed as lung disease gets worse

Cystic Fibrosis is associated with Chromosome 7.

Cystic Fibrosis is caused by defect in the CFTR gene (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator). This gene produces a certain protein that controls salt and water movement in your cells.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can't be prevented.

Works Cited :

Bowman, Cheryl. "Cystic Fibrosis." //How Is Cystic Fibrosis Inherited//. Life123, n.d. Web. 10 Feb 2013. []

Kaneshiro, Neil, ed. "Cystic Fibrosis." //PubMed Health//. A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia., 16 May 2012. Web. 10 Feb 2013. [].

"Cystic Fibrosis." //What Are The Signs and Sympotms of Cystic Fibrosis?//. NIH, 1 Jun 2011. Web. 10 Feb 2013. [].