Cystic fibrosis abbreviated as CF, is a genetic problem that affects the breathing and digestion of a person. CF is a genetic disease and its meaning comes from your parents’ genes. This happens due to the mutations in a particular gene called CFTR. This gene is used to help control salt and water in your cells. But when it doesn’t work properly, it causes thick mucus in your body, mainly in your lungs and stomach. In this blog, we will explain what CF is, its symptoms, how doctors treat it, how it is passed from parents to children, and what chromosomes are associated with it.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis abbreviated as (CF) is a genetic medical condition that leads to significant harm to the lungs, digestive system, and various organs within the body. CF affects the cells which are responsible for producing mucus, sweat, and digestive fluids. Normally, these fluids are thin and slick, which ultimately leads to the smooth functioning of bodily processes. However, individuals with CF have a gene that causes these secretions to adopt a sticky and dense consistency. Instead of functioning as lubricants, these viscous secretions clog different tubes, tubes, ducts, and passageways, particularly within the lungs and pancreas.
While CF is a chronic disease that requires daily care, those individuals who are affected by it can usually continue their education and work. Surprisingly, their standard of living has improved as compared to earlier decades. Advancements in screening methods and therapies have increased the life expectancy of people who are suffering from cystic fibrosis. Many people with CF are now potentially living into their late 30s or early 40s, and some even into their 50s.
Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms
Cystic fibrosis often known as (CF), is a genetic medical disorder that affects how our bodies handle salt and water. It’s passed from parents to children via genes. The main culprit of this disorder is a gene called CFTR, which regulates the flow of salt and water in and out of our cells. When this gene fails to work properly due to mutations, it causes thick and sticky mucus to build up in our organs.
The good news is that in the United States, newborn screening assists in the early detection of CF, even before symptoms develop. But, if an individual were born before this screening was available, then there is a possibility you may have CF until symptoms show up.
The severity of CF symptoms can vary and alter gradually with time. Some people do not encounter any symptoms until they reach their adolescence or adulthood. Adults who are suffering from CF typically have milder symptoms than kids such as pancreatitis, infertility, and recurrent pneumonia.
The salty taste parents feel while kissing their children is one of the distinguishing features, as CF causes excessive salt in sweat. It is because most of the symptoms involve the respiratory and digestive systems, early detection and treatment are very important for a better quality of life.
- Respiratory Symptoms: Breathing difficulties are one of the most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis. People who are suffering from CF normally experience chronic coughing, wheezing, and frequent lung infections. The thick mucus in their airways makes breathing difficult and leads to long-term lung problems.
- Digestive Symptoms: CF often affects the digestive system as well. Most of the time people who are suffering from CF face difficulty while digesting their food properly. Which ultimately leads to poor growth, weight loss, and malnutrition. They may also experience greasy stools and stomach aches.
- Sweat Abnormalities: Another characteristic of CF is salty sweat as CF causes excessive salt in sweat. People with CF have saltier sweat than normal, which can also lead to salt imbalances in the body.
- Reproductive Issues: Cystic fibrosis can also affect fertility in both men and women. It can cause issues with the reproductive organs by making it difficult to conceive.
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but there are a lot of ways or we could say treatment options available to manage the condition and improve the quality of life for those who are affected.
- Airway Clearance Techniques: By practicing airway clearance techniques you can breathe with ease as these techniques help clear mucus from the airways, They may include chest physiotherapy and the use of specialized devices that help to loosen mucus.
- Medications: People who are suffering from CF mostly take medications to thin mucus, reduce inflammation, and fight lung infections. These medications can help improve the function of the lungs.
- Nutritional Support: Proper intake of nutrition is important for individuals with CF. They may require pancreatic enzyme supplements and a high-calorie-rich diet to maintain a healthy weight.
- Lung Transplant: In critical cases, a lung transplant may be considered as a last option to improve lung function and overall health.
Cystic Fibrosis Inheritance
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, which means it’s passed from parents to their kids. It follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.
- Autosomal: The CF gene is found on one of the autosomal chromosomes, which are not related to gender. In this case, it’s located on chromosome 7.
- Recessive: CF is an example of recessive disease as it is caused by mutations in both copies of the CFTR gene (one inherited from each parent). If a person inherits one faulty gene (carrier) and one normal gene, then he or she does not have CF but they becomes a CF carrier which means they can pass the faulty gene to their children. Whereas if both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance their child will have cystic fibrosis.
Chromosome 7 and Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a gene called CFTR which is located on chromosome 7. Chromosomes are like instruction manuals for the human body, containing the genes that influence our traits and characteristics. In the case of CF, a mutation in the CFTR gene on chromosome 7 leads to the production of irregular proteins that cause mucus to become unusually thick and sticky, resulting in symptoms of the condition.
Conclusion
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that impacts the respiratory and digestive systems and other parts of the body. Unfortunately, it cannot be cured but it can be controlled through various practices which ultimately help to reduce the risk of complications. The advancement in medical treatments has greatly improved the quality of life for individuals who are suffering from CF. Understanding how CF is inherited and the role of the Cystic fibrosis chromosome can help individuals and families make appropriate decisions about their health. If you or someone you know has cystic fibrosis, it’s essential to seek medical help immediately to manage the condition effectively.
