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