Cystic fibrosis is a common hereditary disease that affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death. Breathing difficulties are the most common symptom and result from frequent lung infections that are treated, though not always cured, by antibiotics and other medications. A multitude of other symptoms, including sinus infections, poor growth, diarrhea, and infertility, result from the effects of the disease on other parts of the body. Cystic fibrosis is one of the most common fatal inherited diseases. It is most prevalent among Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews; one in 25 people of European descent is a carrier for this disease. Individuals with cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed prior to birth by genetic testing or in early childhood by a sweat test. There is no cure, and most patients die young — many in their 20s and 30s from respiratory failure. Ultimately, lung transplantation is often necessary as the symptoms worsen. Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. (More...)
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