CYSTIC FIBROSIS

An autosomal recessive disorder

A mutation of a gene (the CFTR)

SYMPTOMS

-Salty tasting skin

-Coughing, sometimes with phlegm

-Lung infections

-Wheezing/shortness of breath

-Poor growth, slow weight gain

-Greasy feces

Cystic Fibrosis is passed down. Even carriers who are not affected can potentially pass down the disorder.

Cystic Fibrosis is more common around northern and Central European descent.

More than 75% of people are diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis by age 2. Almost half the population with it is 18 or older.

Approximately 70,000 children and adults have Cystic Fibrosis worldwide.

OVER 1,000 NEW CASES OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS OCCUR EACH YEAR

Cystic Fibrosis causes thick, sticky mucus to clog the lungs. The pancreas ins obstructed and enzymes cannot absorb nutrients.

-Sweat test: measures salt content in a person's sweat.

-Screening: done 2-3 days after birth, identifying babies with high risk of Cystic Fibrosis. This can help them improve growth, keep lungs healthy and add years to their life with early treatment.

TESTING/SCREENING

TREATMENT

ASHLEY LU

-Antibiotics: prevent and treat lung infections

-Inhaled medicine: opens airways by relaxing muscles

-Anti-inflammatory medicine: reduces swelling in airways

OTHER FACTS

- The life expectancy for Cystic Fibrosis patients is now 37 years, where in the past fifty years it was 10 years

-Cystic Fibrosis affects the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems