The greatest risk factor for cystic fibrosis is a family history of the disease , especially if either parent is a known carrier. The gene that causes cystic fibrosis is recessive. This means that in order to have cystic fibrosis, children must inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent.
How does cystic fibrosis affect parents?
Parents of children with cystic fibrosis are more likely to experience anxiety, depression , or both compared to parents in general.
How does cystic fibrosis affect child development?
Trouble with physical development, growth, and gaining weight is one of the most common problems children with cystic fibrosis face. Growing requires extra energy and nutrients in any child, but children with CF need extra calories (energy) to breathe and fight infections.
What is the main cause of cystic fibrosis?
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.
What affects cystic fibrosis?
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 the life expectancy of cystic fibrosis?
Many young adults with CF finish college or find jobs. 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 is the life expectancy for a mild case of cystic fibrosis?
The average life expectancy of a person with cystic fibrosis in the U.S. is approximately 37.5 years with many living much longer.
Is cystic fibrosis a disability?
If you are unable to work while living with cystic fibrosis and need financial help, you may qualify for disability benefits . The U.S. government offers disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What gender is most affected by cystic fibrosis?
How Are Men Affected by Cystic Fibrosis? 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.
At what age can a child be diagnosed with cystic fibrosis?
Most children are now screened for CF at birth through newborn screening and the majority are diagnosed by age 2 . However, some people with CF are diagnosed as adults. A doctor who sees the symptoms of CF will order a sweat test and a genetic test to confirm the diagnosis.
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 is cystic fibrosis exactly?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body . Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices.
What race is cystic fibrosis most common in?
Cystic fibrosis is a common genetic disease within the white population in the United States. The disease occurs in 1 in 2,500 to 3,500 white newborns. Cystic fibrosis is less common in other ethnic groups, affecting about 1 in 17,000 African Americans and 1 in 31,000 Asian Americans.
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.
How does cystic fibrosis affect day to day life?
Living with a chronic disease, such as cystic fibrosis, can be emotionally challenging. Although moments of sadness and anxiety due to the uncertainty of your health may come and go, depression and persistent anxiety should be treated as part of your overall health and emotional wellness.
Can you have cystic fibrosis without lung problems?
But new research suggests that this pulmonary view of cystic fibrosis is only half of the picture: a suite of symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis can also occur in patients who do not have lung disease at all , indicating that cystic fibrosis is really two diseases.
