Research Paper On Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic, chronic and life threatening disease that affects the lung, digestive and reproductive systems. Cystic Fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus and sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in cystic fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas. (Retrieved from mayo clinic). The thick and sticky mucus can cause the lungs to clog and lead to life-threatening lung infections. In addition it can obstruct the pancreas and stop natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food properly. In addition,…show more content…
According to the CF Foundation's National Patient Registry, the median age of survival for a person with CF is currently 33.4 years. Only thirty years ago, a CF patient was not expected to reach adulthood. Many people even live into their fifties and sixties. As more advances have been made in the treatment of CF, the number of adults with CF has steadily grown. Today, nearly 40 percent of the CF population is age 18 and older. According to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, there are 30,000 people living with Cystic Fibrosis in the United States and about 70,000 to 100,000 CF patients’ worldwide. Cystic Fibrosis is most common among Caucasians of Northern European ancestry. There are about 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year and most are diagnosed by the age of 2 years old. Although the predicted median age is 33.4 years old, many people with Cystic Fibrosis live well into there 30’s, 40’s and…show more content…
The following are the most common symptoms in patients with Cystic Fibrosis: very salty tasting skin, persistent cough with phlegm, frequent lung infections, wheezing and shortness of breath, poor growth despite a healthy appetite, frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements. In addition to these symptoms, there are other medical issues such as sinusitis, nasal polyps, Pneumothorax (a collapsed lung due to intense coughing), Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), liver disease, gallstones, diabetes, and clubbing of the fingers and toes. (A condition marked by extremely thickened fingertips and toes due to decreased oxygen in the

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