By: Cami Boldt and Katie Badillo Cystic Fibrosis By: Cami Boldt and Katie Badillo

Background and history What is it? Cystic Fibrosis is a family passed genetic disease that causes a buildup of mucus in the lungs and other parts of the body. This disease is one of the most common lung diseases. This disease is common in both children and young adults. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening disease.

Cont. Dr. Dorothy Hansine Anderson. Who discovered Cystic Fibrosis? Dr. Dorothy Hansine Anderson. She was born in Asheville, North Carolina on May 15th, 1901. She had found the characteristics of Cystic Fibrosis in 1938 and in 1949 she discovered that cystic fibrosis was caused by a recessive mutant gene.

What happens to those who have it? Cystic Fibrosis usually follows the same patterns but each persons symptoms have to do with how their mucus-producing cells are acting. Cystic Fibrosis causes people to get infections in their lungs as well as permanent lung damage.

Cont. Children Children with Cystic Fibrosis have symptoms that include diharia which also interferes with how the pancreas works. Children who have problems with their pancreas have trouble taking in nutriants. As a result of not being able to take in nutriants the child may have an excessive amount of wait gain or may even lose a lot of weight at one time. Children may also have very salty skin causing them to become dehydrated so they must drink large amounts of water. Weezing and shortness of breath is also another symptom. Adults Most men with Cystic Fibrosis are not able to father a child. However most women are able to have successful pregnancies but may have more trouble getting pregnant then most other women. Other symptoms that come from Cystic Fibrosis include having weaker bones because there are few minerals that the bones contain. Having weaker bones leads to more fractures and swollen or painful joints.

Life expectancy Over the past 40 years the life expectancy with those who have Cystic Fibrosis has been increasing. Most people who have this disorder live until their mid 30’s. New treatments are making it possible for people to live until their 40’s now. People who do not have a serious case of Cystic Fibrosis may even live the normal expectancy of life.

Treatment/Cure As of now there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis however, researchers are continuing to look for new treatments and drugs to help with the life expectancy of those who have Cystic Fibrosis. Although there is no cure, some treatment plans may help. Treatments such as regular medical care or at home treatment plans may help reduce infections. Postural drainage may also help reduce pain symptoms. A lung transplant surgery is also an option for those who have harmful lung diseases.

How is Cystic Fibrosis passed on? A person may inherit Cystic Fibrosis when they inherit one CFTR gene from each parent. The CFTR gene is on chromosome 7. Three bases get deleted from this chromosome which causes the disorder. Cystic Fibrosis is recessive. If you have one CF gene and one non-CF gene then you will be a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis but you will not have Cystic Fibrosis. There is not a certain gender that is more likely to get Cystic Fibrosis. Everyone who has it responds differently to this disorder.

Fun Facts Celebrities that have had Cystic Fibrosis. Lisa Bentley Bob Flanagan Alice Martineau