Cystic Fibrosis

It is a genetic condition affecting lungs, pancreas, and digestive system. It affects the cells that produces mucous, sweat, and digestive juices in their salt and water transport. This caused the secretion to become thick and sticky which plug up the tubes and ducts in lungs and pancreas. Cystic fibrosis is caused by genetic mutation in CFTR gene in both parents. It is common in northern European heritage..

Symptoms

• It begins around 6-8 months after birth. Newborn may not pass meconium (first bowel movement) or have long lasting jaundice.
• Other symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing up thick sticky mucous, salty kin and recurrent sinusitis. They may also suffer repeated constipation or pass white greasy stool.

Diagnosis

• Newborn screening is done in certain countries. Diagnosis is done by analyzing the genes responsible for this.

Treatment

• There is no cure. Treatment is done to remove excess mucous from lungs and replacing digestive enzymes