Causes Of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis caused by an inherited disease of the glands that produce sweat and mucus. It is often found in the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory system. Research shows that you develop this disease if both your parents have a mutant abnormal gene each. If only one parent has this abnormal gene, you will probably be a carrier but not exhibit any of the disease’s symptoms.

The gene in question is one that produces a protein that moves chloride through the cell membranes. If this cell is abnormal, the flow of chloride ions and water become blocked resulting from a secretion of abnormally thick mucus. This sticky substance coats the walls of the passageways of the respiratory, reproductive, and digestive organs and hence prevents your body from receiving the important nutrients they need. It can affect the pancreas, liver, colon, urinary track and lungs. A baby born with the abnormal cystic fibrosis gene typically starts to show symptoms within the first year of birth.

It has been estimated by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that there are over 30,000 Americans with cystic fibrosis. Findings indicate that this disease affects mostly Caucasians whose ancestors came from northern Europe. This does not mean all other racial and ethnic groups are not affected but white Caucasians are at greater risk due to carrying of the defective gene that carries cystic fibrosis. The average lifespan for a patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis is 30 years. Some advances in medical technology are helping to improve the life spans for cystic fibrosis patients.

Cystic fibrosis is usually detected before the age of three but diagnoses can also happen later in life. A warning sign of cystic fibrosis is a delay in the onset of puberty, despite a regular and healthy diet. Your child fails to thrive well, with weight loss and constant fatigue. What are perhaps more indicative of signs of trouble include frequent symptoms of stomach pain, excessive gas, excessive and thick mucus in the lungs, chronic cough that brings up discolored mucus and possibly blood. Other signs to look out for include frequent upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, asthma, and wheezing.

Another unusual symptom of cystic fibrosis is the presence of nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are fleshy growths that develop inside the nasal cavity. If you observe severe attacks of sinusitis, this can be another warning sign of cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis can also begin in a baby. If you kiss your baby and his or her skin has a salty taste, seek a medical evaluation right away. Let the doctor know if you have observed the following signs shown by your baby: inability to pass stools, have colicky and have excessive gas.