What causes a person to have cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a change, or mutation, in a single gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR.)
What is the name of the gene that causes cystic fibrosis?
A specific gene is responsible for CF. It’s called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ( CFTR) gene. This gene contains the instructions for producing CFTR proteins, which do an important job on the surface of certain cells throughout the body.
How many people are born with cystic fibrosis?
One in 25 people carry the CF gene. For someone to be born with CF, both parents must carry the faulty gene. If both parents have the gene, there is a 25% chance the child will have CF. If both parents carry the gene there is also a 50% chance of the child being a gene carrier but not having CF and a 25% chance they will not have the CF gene.
What happens if both parents have cystic fibrosis?
If both parents have the gene, there is a 25% chance the child will have CF. If both parents carry the gene there is also a 50% chance of the child being a gene carrier but not having CF and a 25% chance they will not have the CF gene. Some people with CF are not diagnosed until later in life.
How does cystic fibrosis affect people with it?
In people with cystic fibrosis, the body produces mucus that is abnormally thick and sticky. This abnormal mucus can clog the airways, leading to severe problems with breathing and bacterial infections in the lungs . These infections cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and inflammation.
How does cystic fibrosis affect the immune system?
The immune system of individuals with cystic fibrosis responds to an infection by sending white blood cells to attack the infection. After attacking the infection, white blood cells break down and further clog the airways.
What are some interesting facts about cystic fibrosis?
8 Interesting Facts About Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis [CF] is a genetic disorder. It primarily affects the digestive and respiratory systems of those who have it. CF develops because of a defective gene that is on Chromosome 7 and it stops salt moving in and out of cells effectively. The result is an increased production of mucus and this clogs the airways and digestive systems.
How does cystic fibrosis affect the lungs?
Some of the more severe effects of cystic fibrosis on the lungs include pneumonia from frequent bacterial infections, violent coughing that sometimes produces blood, cardio-respiratory problems, and hypoxia, a condition in which the body does not get enough oxygen. Severe bacterial infections might also occur, some of which are antibiotic-resistant.