Causes. Cystic fibrosis is an
inherited disease caused by mutations in a gene called the cystic
fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The CFTR gene provides instructions for the CFTR protein.
How do you get cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with CF have
inherited two copies of the defective CF gene — one copy from each parent
. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene. People with only one copy of the defective CF gene are called carriers, but they do not have the disease.
What causes cystic fibrosis mutation?
Cystic fibrosis is caused by
mutations in the gene that produces the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
What is the root cause of cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a change, or mutation, in
a gene called CFTR
(cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator). This gene controls the flow of salt and fluids in and out of your cells. If the CFTR gene doesn't work the way it should, a sticky mucus builds up in your body.
Can you get cystic fibrosis at any age?
While cystic fibrosis is
usually diagnosed in childhood
, adults with no symptoms (or mild symptoms) during their youth can still be found to have the disease.
What are four symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
- Chronic coughing (dry or coughing up mucus)
- Recurring chest colds.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Frequent sinus infections.
- Very salty-tasting skin.
What organs are affected by CF?
CF causes thick mucus that clogs certain organs, such as the
lungs, pancreas, and intestines
. This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing problems, and chronic lung disease.
What is cystic fibrosis exactly?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is
an inherited disorder
What should a person with cystic fibrosis eat?
Like everyone else, guys and girls who have CF should eat a balanced diet that includes
plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, dairy products, and protein
. In addition, people with CF have some specific nutritional needs to help them stay healthy.
Can I get cystic fibrosis later in life?
As with other genetic conditions, cystic fibrosis will have been present since birth,
even if it is diagnosed later in life
. One in 25 people carry the faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis. To have cystic fibrosis, both parents must be carriers of the faulty cystic fibrosis gene.
At what age do cystic fibrosis symptoms start?
Median age at diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
is 6-8 months
; two thirds of patients are diagnosed by 1 year of age. The age at diagnosis varies widely, however, as do the clinical presentation, severity of symptoms, and rate of disease progression in the organs involved.
Is CF curable?
There's no cure for cystic fibrosis
, but a range of treatments can help control the symptoms, prevent or reduce complications, and make the condition easier to live with. Regular appointments to monitor the condition are needed and a care plan will be set up based on the person's needs.
What is cystic fibrosis life expectancy?
Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is
about 44 years
. Death is most often caused by lung complications.
What color is cystic fibrosis mucus?
Really dark brown, tenacious phlegm is seen in patients who have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis, which is a chronic lung disease. The phlegm is brown because of blood and the intense chronic inflammation that comes with the chronic disease state.
How long do cystic fibrosis patients live?
Lung disease eventually worsens to the point where the person is disabled. Today, the average life span for people with CF who live to adulthood is
about 44 years
. Death is most often caused by lung complications.
What gender is cystic fibrosis most common in?
Males
account for slightly more than 50 percent of all cases of cystic fibrosis (CF) but generally have better outcomes than females until about age 20. After that, men and women experience roughly equal outcomes for long-term survival.
