| Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common | | | | membranes. As a result, chloride irons build |
| genetic disorders. The genes on each | | | | up in the cells of the lungs and other |
| chromosome control specific functions of the | | | | organs. Water stays inside the cells to |
| human body. The gene on chromosome 7 produces | | | | dilute the chloride and the normal secretions |
| a protein called cystic fibrosis | | | | of the organs become thick. Mucus in the |
| transmembrane regulator. Mutation in the DNA | | | | exocrine glands becomes thick and sticky. |
| level of chromosome 7 leads to the absence of | | | | This results in blocks in the pancreas, |
| this protein which leads to cystic | | | | lungs, liver and other glands. This block |
| fibrosis.Cystic fibrosis is a recessive | | | | leads to cyst formation in glands. This |
| disease. It means that both copies of the | | | | results in cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis |
| gene must be defective. An affected person | | | | causes frequent respiratory |
| will have abnormal cystic fibrosis | | | | infections.Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is |
| transmembrane regulator gene on each | | | | confirmed by a sweat test or DNA testing. |
| chromosome 7. Therefore both biological | | | | Cystic fibrosis causes the sweat glands to |
| parents must have an abnormal gene. One | | | | secrete excessive salt. The most common |
| abnormal copy is inherited from each parent. | | | | symptoms of cystic fibrosis are coughing and |
| A person with one normal gene and one | | | | chronic breathing difficulties. This causes |
| abnormal gene is called a cystic fibrosis | | | | repeated lung infections. The lungs and the |
| carrier. Cystic fibrosis carriers do not show | | | | digestive system are more affected by cystic |
| any symptoms but they may pass the abnormal | | | | fibrosis. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis |
| gene to their children. Therefore the parents | | | | include chronic cough, chest infection, small |
| can be either cystic fibrosis carriers or | | | | growth in nose, diabetes, weight loss, |
| affected themselves.Cystic fibrosis affects | | | | pancreatitis, and diarrhea. The treatment of |
| the production and function of cystic | | | | cystic fibrosis includes oral or inhaled |
| fibrosis transmembrane regulator. This | | | | antibiotics, corticosteroid tablets, dietary |
| disturbs the chloride transfer across cell | | | | vitamins, anti-asthma therapy and medication. |