CYSTIC FIBROSIS by Anna Casas

CYSTIC FIBROSIS by Anna Casas

By At de desembre 10, 2017 0

  DESCRIPTION

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease given by a mutation in the chromosome 7 characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus that can damage many of the body's organs such as lungs, stomach or pancreas. The most common sings and symptoms are progressive damage to the respiratory system and chronic digestive system problems.

Mucus is a slippery substance that lubricates and protects the linings of the airways, digestive system, reproductive system, and other organs and tissues.
People with this disease produce more mucus than is normal and abnormally thick and sticky. This anormal production can obstruct the airways and, because of that, make the person more propense to infections.

 In this picture we can compare an ill with a healthy lung

Most people with cystic fibrosis also have digestive problems. In people with cystic fibrosis, mucus blocks the ducts of the pancreas, reducing the production of insulin and giving problems to the enzymes to reach the stomach for doing the digestion. Problems with digestion can lead to diarrhea, malnutrition, poor growth, and weight loss.


Pancreas affected with CF disease.

FREQUENCY

Cystic Fibrosis is a common genetic disease within the white population of the USA and north of Europe. It is less common in Africa or Asia. 

TREATMENT

While no cures for CF are known, several treatment methods are used. The management of CF has improved significantly over the past 70 years. Nowadays we have differnet ways for fighting against this disease.

  • ANTIBIOTICS
Many people with CF are on one or more antibiotics at all times to prevent the infections that the mucus can cause. 

  • PULMON TRANSPLANT
  • INHALED MEDICATIONS
They are used for opening the breathing ways and letting the oxigen arrive to the lungs.

  • MEDICATIONS TO DILUTE THE MUCUS

INHERITANCE PATTERN

In order for a baby to suffer the disease, both of the chromosomes, mother and father, have to be modificated. That means that this condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

 
In this image we can see how is the disease heritade.

 

FUTURE

Nowadays, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is researching about this disease. They have a very modern equipment and useful tools for findig the CF cure. The sciencists are very optimist with the results they are having, so they affirm that CF will have cure soon. 

OTHER NAMES FOR THIS CONDITION 

  • CF
  • Cystic Fibrosis of Pancreas
  • Fibrocystic Disease of Pancreas
  • Mucoviscidosis

WEBGRAPHY

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