Cystic Fibrosis Essay

Cystic Fibrosis Essay
Cystic Fibrosis Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive gene that causes a wide range of symptoms because there are over 1,000 changes or mutations that can
occur within the cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor (CFTR) protein. The CFTR protein is generally a chloride ion chain "regulated by cyclic
adenosine monophosphate and therefore can act as a regulator of other electrolyte channels"(Grossman, S., & Grossman, L. 2005, p. 46). Typically this
protein allows chloride ions to exit mucus–producing cells allowing water to flow in and thin the mucus. However, if the CFTR protein has been
mutated, such as in cystic fibrosis, chloride ions cannot exit. This causes the mucus to thicken, become sticky, and obstruct the various channels it
passes through. This build up of mucus also prevents bacteria from being cleaned from cells thoroughly increasing the patients risk for infections
(Grossman, S., & Grossman, L. 2005). However, the severity of CF depends on whether the patients have complete or partial loss of the CFTR gene.
If the person has the classic form of CF abnormalities of CFTR will commonly affect "...the respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine and metabolic, and
genitourinary systems"(Schram, C. 2012). However, if people have atypical forms of CF their genetic disorder may only affect one of the organ
systems and may not be found until the patient develops symptoms in their late childhood, early adolescence, or adulthood
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Essay on Cystic Fibrosis
Imagine drowning, lungs filling with water that swallows the air and suffocates those caught in it. Now, imagine drowning in a hospital bed
surrounded by doctors and family members who can only stand by and watch the inevitable. This is the fate of a person with Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic
Fibrosis is a disease that forces a person to drown in mucus that fills their lungs while it wreaks havoc on the body. This chronic disease causes
devastating health problems, has no cure, and forces patients to endure painful temporary treatments. Taking daily medications, maintaining a social
life, and staying moderately healthy are a constant struggle for people with Cystic Fibrosis.
Unlike many of the diseases that plague people today Cystic Fibrosis...show more content...
This is still one of the most widely used tests because researchers still do not know exactly which gene is the defective Cystic Fibrosis gene
("Cystic," Hereditary 47). Patients are usually diagnosed by the age of two but, a few rare causes are not diagnosed until the age of eighteen
("Cystic," umm.edu 1). Since symptoms usually appear early in life patients that are not diagnosed until later in life often have more mild forms of
Cystic Fibrosis (Silverstein, Silverstein, and Silverstein 1; "Cystic," umm.edu 1). Luckily today children with Cystic Fibrosis are diagnosed early, in the
nineteen–forties children often died from Cystic Fibrosis before they were old enough to attend school ("About" 1). Even though testing for Cystic
Fibrosis is exceedingly simple the list of complications and illnesses associated with Cystic Fibrosis is extensive. Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that
affects the body in many ways throughout the patient's life. Newborns with Cystic Fibrosis may experience delayed growth, inability to gain weight,
and salty–tasting skin ("Cystic," umm.edu 1). Older patients may be infertile, have recurring pancreatitis, and respiratory problems ("Cystic," umm.edu
2). Considering that these are just symptoms involving age, the full spectrum of ailments that afflict a patient with Cystic Fibrosis is far more taxing on
a patient.
The four major areas

Cystic Fibrosis: An Overview Essay
Introduction Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that ultimately leads to death. It affects every racial group worldwide, but its prevalence varies from
country to country. In those with cystic fibrosis, the lungs and digestive system are primarily affected by the disease. With the new developments in
treatment and management, the 50 percent survival rate from the 1970's has greatly improved, allowing patients to continue to live their lives longer
than ever expected in the past. The new developments in prevention of exacerbations, therapy drugs and methods to preserve lung function have done
great things to help patients extend their lives. Education is another important aspect of treating cystic fibrosis. For example, more the...show more
content...
This is a great improvement over survival rate of the 1950s with the life expectancy of 1 year or less for cystic fibrosis patients. Unfortunately, since
it is a recessive genetic disease, there are many men and women who are carriers of the disease without actually having the disease themselves. If each
parent is a non–affected carrier of cystic fibrosis, there is only a 25 percent chance of having a non–affected, non–carrier child and 50 percent chance of
having a child that is a non–affected carrier of cystic fibrosis. Unfortunately there is also a 25 percent chance of having a child affected by cystic
fibrosis. This makes prenatal genetic screening very important.
Pathophysiology
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a genetic defect in Chromosome 7. Chromosome 7 encodes the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, also
known as CFTR. There are over 1,000 mutations of this gene causing cystic fibrosis, with each mutation manifesting as a different variation of disease
onset and clinical presentation. The most common mutation is the loss of phenylalanine residue at deltaF508. The abnormal functioning CFTR causes
impaired chloride transport and more viscous secretions. The defect causes dehydrated secretions in the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
Being dehydrated, these secretions become more difficult to move throughout the body. Along with impaired

Cystic Fibrosis is a severe hereditary disease that infects the lungs, digestive system, sweat
glands and male fertility. The name Cystic Fibrosis derives from the Fibrous scar tissue that
develops in the pancreas. First recognized in 1938, cystic fibrosis is generalized as an autosomal
recessive disorder of the exocrine glands. About one in every 2500 Caucasians is affected, and
one in 25 is a carrier of the cystic fibrosis gene. Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal
hereditary disorder of Caucasians in the United States and is the most common cause of chronic
lung disease in children and young adults. Approximately 38,000 children and young adults in the
United States today. About 3,000 babies are born...show more content...
Few people know they are
carriers unless they have family history of the disease. Two white Americans with no family
history of CF have a one in 2500 chance of having a child with CF (Berhow 245).
The most severe effects of cystic fibrosis are seen in two body systems; the gastrointestinal
(digestive) system and the respiratory tract. CF also affects male fertility and the sweat glands.
Effects in the digestive system are often the first to appear. About fifteen percent of babies who

inherit CF have meconium ileus at birth. Meconium is the first dark stool that the baby produces
after birth. Ileus is an obstruction of the digestive tract (Claymen 437). Meconium, the dark
green stool, is thick and sticky, due to the presence of thickened mucus from the intestinal glands.
Meconium ileus causes abdominal swelling and vomiting. The presence of meconium ileus is
highly indicative of CF. Babies who have meconium ileus almost always develop symptoms of
CF. The respiratory tract includes the nose, the throat and the windpipe. Nasal polyps,
Bronchitis, pneumonia and shortness of breath are frequent recurring respiratory problems in
someone with CF (Claymen 438)
The first symptom of CF in infants without meconium ileus, is often poor weight gain at 4
to 6

Essay about Cystic Fibrosis
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. According to the American Lung association, the
average adult takes 15 to 20 breaths a minute resulting in over 20,000 breaths a day. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited and obstructive lung disease
caused by the overall obstruction of the airways with mucus that form in the lungs, pancreas and sweat glands. CF therefore affects the ability to breath
and ultimately kills it victims at a young age. Most individuals who have Cystic Fibrosis become progressively worse, and many die in their 20s and
30s.Obviously Cystic Fibrosis is a life–threatening disorder and has different symptoms, complications and diagnostic studies. According to the...show
more content...
Abnormally thick, abundant secretions from mucous glands can lead to a chronic, diffuse, and obstructive pulmonary disorder in almost all patients.
The way to determine if one has Cystic Fibrosis, which is caused by the mucus in the body's organs, varies from patient to patient and depends on
the severity of the disease. "CF is characterized by several clinical features: increased viscosity of mucous gland secretions, a striking elevation of
sweat electrolytes, an increase in several organic and enzymatic constituents of saliva, and abnormalities in autonomic nervous system function"
(Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 795). Failure to grow, persistent cough with mucus production, and large frequent bowel movements are early
manifestations of CF in childhood. Additionally, one of the first signs of cystic fibrosis is an excessively salty taste to the skin, and parents often can
taste the salt when they kiss their child. Nonetheless, problems with breathing are among the most common symptoms. In adults, a frequent cough is
the first symptom of Cystic Fibrosis. Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis are among other respiratory problems that may be indicative of Cystic
Fibrosis. "The disease progresses from being a disease of the small airways (Chronic bronchiolitis) to involvement of the larger airways, and finally
causes destruction of lung tissue. CF also progresses to a restrictive lung disease

Medical Impact Essay
Medical impact
CF is a chronic condition therefore the patients are either seeking medical attention or receiving (sometime involuntarily) a great deal of medical
scrutiny and intervention during their lifetime.
Standard principles of care is the optimal service provided from the centre to improve prognosis for patients with CF. It uses multi–disciplinary
approach with frequent clinical visits, physiotherapy to improve lung function and nutritional therapy that prevents malnutrition of pancreatic
insufficiency and manages CF–related diabetes (Colomboa and Littlewood 2011, Cystic Fibrosis Trust 2011, Kerem et al. 2005)
CF multi–disciplinary team also undertakes clinical research of the condition, where new treatment and therapies are...show more content...
This medical uncertainty could lead to psychosocial consequences, including anxiety. Psychologist can help patients cope with emotional and
psychological difficulties associated with anxiety. A social worker complements and sometimes supplements the psychologist. They work together
closely with the patient and family to resolve these issues (Oxley and Webb 2005).
Many patients become such medical experts at managing their condition and they sometimes teach their medical team about the latest information.
Some of them also have clear opinions about what they need from a medical treatment and care. Care providers acknowledge patients' experiential
knowledge and promote self–management from their patients; to recognise any health issues and be proactive to seek help from their CF team (Hewer
and Tyrrell 2008, Visse et al. 2012).
Social Impact
Cystic fibrosis patients have often experience stigma within themselves also in society. They are in a situation where the individual is not fully
accepted and it blights the lives of CF patients (Pizzignacco et al. 2010). Physical differences and differences in daily routine and lifestyle due to the
condition contribute to making patients stigmatised (Sankar et al. 2006, Badlan 2006).
Families of patients also experience their own stigma. Gordon et al. (2003) and

Essay On Cystic Fibrosis
What is it? :
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic life threatening disease that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system and slowly limits your breathing. What
happens with CF is there is a large buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. Themucus is usually made of
sweat and digestive juices that are meant to act as lubricant but end up clogging up and blocking tubes, ducts and passageways. With the buildup of
mucus it makes it easier for certain bacteria's to grow, which make it easier for infections to start and spread, especially through the lungs. This in time
can cause lung damage. When certain tubes get blocked it makes it to where your intestines cant fully absorb different nutrients...show more content...
The severity of this disease differs over time, as time goes on, symptoms can get worse. As a child the lung functions typically declines and over
time people end up experiencing sever breathing problems. Respiratory is the leading cause of death in people with CF. As time goes on and
treatments and advancements in research and care improve, as do lives of people with CF. The general life expectancy of someone with CF is 41
years, but some people can live to make it to their 50's or even longer. Back in the 1950's people with CF had a hard time living to attend elementary
school. Early treatment of this disease can help the length and quality of life. With that being said, there is still no cure.
There are about 30,000 people in the US living with CF (70,000 worldwide.)
There are about 1,000 new cases of CF each year
Over 75% of people with CF get diagnosed by the age of

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes the body's lungs to generate a different type of mucus than a non–infected body would. The
contaminated lungs will produce mucus that is thick and adhesive which clogs the lungs and leads to an unpleasant and abhorrent lung infection. CF
also interferes with the pancreas, disallowing the digestive enzymes from breaking down and absorbing food in the intestine. This can result in low
nutrition, feeble growth, excessive sweat production, difficulties in breathing, and sometimes lung disease. When producing extra sweat and mucus,
the body loses salt. If too much salt is lost, it can cause abnormal heart rhythms, disturbance of minerals in the blood, and perhaps, shock....show more
content...
CF is found in nearly one of every three–thousand live births. But more than eighty percent of the patients are diagnosed by age three. Today, nearly
forty percent of the diagnosed inhabitants are at the age of eight–teen or older.
Today, there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis, but if the disease is found in an individual early enough, the patient can be recovered. About 85 to 90% of
patients will have problems absorbing nutrients from their intestines. And because enzymes are lost when diagnosed, enzyme supplements are required
to prevent bad nutrition and malnutrition. There are two main body parts that can be cared for the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis: The lungs and the
chest. Lung problems can also be treated, but not cured. Antibiotics and other drugs may loosen the thick mucus in the lungs, but if it fails, a
transplant lung may help to extend life. But about four hundred people die each year while waiting for a lung transplant. Also Chest physical therapy
is a technique done by vigorous claps on the back and chest to loosen the thick mucus from the lungs. The average lifespan of an individual with CF is
about thirty years.
In the U.S alone there are about thirty thousand, who are carriers of the disease, and about 2,500 babies are born with it each year. About five percent
of the Americans are unaffected carriers who may discover symptoms later in their lifetime. CF occurs mainly in

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common lethal inherited disease, affecting about 30,000 patients worldwide. In the past decade, strides in patient
management and the development of new pharmacological agents, coupled with scientific and technological advances, have increased the mean life
expectancy of CF patients to approximately 30 years of age (approximately 50% of CF patients live to the age of 30). As early as 30 years ago, the
median survival age was 8 years. Chronic lung infections, which lead to declines in lung function, remain the major cause of morbidity and mortality.
While several pathogens have been implicated, Pseudomonas aeruginosa–an opportunistic and virulent bacterium–has an affinity for the...show more
content...
Current testing readily detects up to 90% of carriers in the North European Caucasian population lining in North American and 95% of the CF carriers
in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. Approximately 50% of carriers in Hispanic and African American populations are detectable (Lory, 1999).Cystic
fibrosis is an inherited disorder that affects many functions of the body: breathing, digestion, and reproduction. The lifelong illness usually gets more
severe with age and can affect both males and female equally. The symptoms and severity of cystic fibrosis differ from person to person. Most patients
have both respiratory and digestive problems, while others only have respiratory problems. Intelligence is not affected in people with CF. People with
cystic fibrosis have secretions that are thick and sticky rather than thin and watery. In CF the glands that produce mucus, saliva, and intestinal fluids do
not work properly. Thick mucus in the lungs interferes with the removal of dust and germs and can cause breathing problems, infections, and lung
damage. The traditional first line of defense

Cystic Fibrosis is a
disorder where the exocrine glands secrete
abnormally thick mucus, leading to obstruction of
the pancreas and chronic infections of the lungs,
which usually cause death in childhood or early
adulthood. Some mildly affected patients may
survive longer. Doctors can diagnose the disease
by testing the patients perspiration because people
with Cystic Fibrosis have high amounts of salt in
their perspiration. Those with respiratory infections
are treated with antibiotics, with aerosols that
relieve constriction of the airways and liquefy the
thick mucus, and by physical therapy to help

patients cough up the obstructing secretions.
Patients with pancreatic insufficiency can take
pancreatic enzymes with meals....show more content...
The
sickle–shaped red cells interfere with normal blood
flow by plugging up small blood vessels.
Sickle–cell anemia occurs when an individual
inherits a sickle–cell gene from each parent.
Programs have been initiated to detect carriers,
who do not themselves show the trait; such
carriers are informed that a child resulting from the
union of two carriers runs a one in four risk of
having sickle–cell disease. Therapy for sickle–cell
anemia is largely symptomatic. Preventive
administration of penicillin to affected children by
the age of four months greatly decreases mortality
from infections. For this reason, routine screening
of newborns for sickle–cell anemia is currently

carried out in more than 40 states within the
United States. Down Syndrome Down Syndrome,
which used to be called mongolism, is a congenital
malformation accompanied by moderate to severe
mental retardation, is caused by a chromosomal
abnormality. People with Down syndrome are
often short in height and have a small, round head
with a high, flattened forehead and split, dry lips
and tongue. A typical feature is a fold of skin, the
epicanthic fold, on either side of the bridge of the
nose. The palms show a single transverse crease
and the soles have a straight crease from the heel
to the space between the first and second toes.
These people are also subject to congenital heart
defects and tend to develop leukemia. Their

Cystic Fibrosis Research Paper Thesis
Cystic Fibrosis
Nicholas Culver
Introduction
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease. It's very common In the United States. It's also very common amongst the Caucasian population. Its effects 1
in every 3,000 new born babies. Cystic fibrosis is less common in other ethnic groups. Effecting 1 in every 17,000 African Americans and 1 in every
30,000 Asian Americans. It causes the body to make a very thick type of mucus. The mucus is caused by an unbalance in salt in a person's body.
Leaving few to no salt and water on the outside of cells. When this happens the thin mucus that keeps the lungs free of germs becomes sticky. Cystic
fibrosis effects the liver, lungs, pancreas, and the intestines. This disease makes it hard to breath and causes serious lung infections. The mucus affects
the digestion by blocking the pancreas...show more content...
One copy from each parent. Both parents must have at least one copy of the defective gene. People with only one copy of the defective CF gene are
called carriers, but they don't have the disease. This gene makes a protein not work very well which causes the thick mucus and very salty sweat.
Scientists have found more than 1,700 different mutations in the CFTR that can cause CF. Scientist have spent years trying to put these thousands of
mutations into groups. They're so many types of mutations but here are just some of them. Protein Production Mutations include splice mutations.
These interfere with the production of the CFTR protein. IF the CFTR gene has a splice mutation the protein building instructions send a signal that
causes the production of CFTR protein to stop. Gating Mutations is another mutation of CF. The CFTR protein is shaped like a tunnel with a gate. The
cell can open the gate when chloride needs to flow through the channel. Otherwise, the gate stays closed. Mutations lock the gate in the closed position
so that chloride cannot get

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease of the secretory glands (National Heart, Lungs, and Blood Institute[NHLBI] , "What Is Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013).
People who have cystic fibrosis inherit two defective genes, one from each parent (NHLBI , "What Is Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013). The body parts affected
by cystic fibrosis are the lungs, pancreas, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs (NHLBI , "What Is Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013). The gene at fault for causing
cystic fibrosis is the CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) gene (Genetics Home Reference, "CFTR gene", 2014). The
transport of salts and chloride in and out of the cells is affected by the mutation of this gene (Cystic Fibrosis Research Inc., "About Cystic Fibrosis").
This disease most commonly affects Caucasians of North European descent (NHLBI , "What Is Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013)....show more content...
This increases bacteria growth and causes infections (NHLBI, "What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013). These infections can
clog the airways and damage the lungs making it difficult to breath (NHLBI, "What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?", 2013). The signs
and symptoms of cystic fibrosis according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are very salty tasting skin, persistent cough with sputum, frequent lung
infections, wheezing, shortness of breath, poor growth, constipation, greasy,bulky stools(Cystic Fibrosis Foundation [CFF], "About CF: Causes, Signs
& Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis | CF Foundation",

Causes And Treatment Of Cystic Fibrosis Essay
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease that causes problems within the lungs and digestive systems (pancreas, liver, and intestines). It occurs due to the
abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across cells leading to excessive secretion of thick mucus in these two major areas of the body. This makes
breathing difficult as the thick, sticky mucus clogs the airway, and it can also result in sinus infections, poor growth, infertility, and reduced life
expectancy. However, these can sometimes be treated with antibiotics and other medication, like medicated inhalers. It is an autosomal recessive
genetic disorder and is caused by one of many different mutations in the gene for the protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
(CFTR)' . Because CF is the result of an inherited genetic mutation it can therefore be treated with manipulations such as Selective Breeding and Gene
Therapy.
Gene therapy is a method involving DNA to treat or prevent disease. It is the insertion of a corrected gene into an organism's cell to mask the
presence of the dysfunctional gene, instead of surgery or using drugs. Put simple, gene therapy is the process of using DNA as a drug. Generally, a
vector ('delivery vehicle') is used to go to the cells where it is needed and deliver a gene, if this is successful, the cell will then be able to produce a
functional protein to treat or prevent the disease. Since the gene causing CF was discovered, it is now possible to attempt gene therapy to

Cystic Fibrosis Reflection
I choose the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation project on April 30th 2016 because it was close to my hometown which is Pittsburg. Since the location is in
Heather Farm Walnut Creek, I am familiar with the location and the environment. When I arrived around 9:45am, it was very windy yet sunny that I
started sneezing throughout the day. I do not know much about Cystic Fibrosis Foundation until I research it on the Internet the day before the
freshman day of service to get better understanding of the fundraiser and the people with Cystic Fibrosis. Surprisingly, I learn so much about this
foundation especially when this is my first time seeing an event that's close by to support the disease that relate to biology cluster. Cystic Fibrosis is a
genetic...show more content...
There was not a leader who inspired me, but at the same time I do not see a leader who I am disappointed by. If I were to lead a bunch of volunteer
for this project, I would organize this by different colors of the tents with signed up sheet and give them instructions to either set up the tent, run the
tent, or help with the supporters of the organization. I think it is important for members of a community to engage in some helpful way because it is
their opportunity to make a difference in someone's lives or the community. As the freshmen college year student are starting to merge into an adult
life, they should understand that they are becoming responsibility to lead the future generation to their dream such as becoming a leader or a
supporter. Also, the freshman college year students are going to make a difference in their job once they graduate. At some point, they will have to
commit to change for the better world. The cystic fibrosis foundation has impacted me to understand that everyone supports other people who are
going through some obstacles, even if it looks impossible to overcome some challenges. This foundation also impacted me in terms of biology cluster
that this disease is one the disease that impacted half of the population in the United States along with malaria, diabetes, etc. This freshmen day of
service at cystic fibrosis foundation serves

CF is caused by an inherited recessive genetic defect that is most prevalent in the white population. About 1 in 23 people in the United States carry at
least one defective gene, making it the most common genetic defect of its severity. CF patients suffer from chronic lung problems and digestive
disorders caused by a cellular defect in the transport of chloride ion. The problem in chloride handling results in loss of chloride in sweat which, in
fact, is the basis for the clinical diagnosis of CF. As a consequence of the lesion in chloride transport patients' lungs become covered with sticky mucus
which is difficult to remove and can promote infection by bacteria. Many people with CF require frequent hospitalizations and continuous usage of
...show more content...
The following are a few common myths and truths about Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic Fibrosis is contagious.
False, CF is not contagious. It is a disease that is genetically inherited by the child from his or her parents who either have the gene or are carriers of
the gene.
The gene that codes for Cystic Fibrosis has been found.
True, the gene that produces the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator protein, CFTR, is known. A defect in this protein interferes with
the transport of chloride through the proper channels.
Cystic Fibrosis is not very common in the United States.
False, CF is the most common fatal genetic disease in the U.S. today. There are over 30,000 people affected with CF in the United States.
There is a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.
False, there is no cure or control for CF. There are however, treatments for the symptoms and effects of CF that help the patient live a somewhat
"normal" life.
Cystic Fibrosis interferes with the correct functioning of many organs in the body.
True, the airways, pancreas, liver, sweat glands, skin and small intestine are some of the organs that do not function properly due to the blockage of
ducts or tubes necessary for the correct functioning of these organs.
There is an identification process to tell if a person is a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis.

False, a person typically does not know if he or she could be a carrier of CF unless an immediate family member is

Cystic Fibrosis
Can viruses used as vectors in the process of gene therapy be an effective treatment for Cystic Fibrosis? Firstly, Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic and
recessive disease that mostly affects the lungs and pancreas. This leads to phlegm accumulation, salty sweat, male infertility, shortness of breath
and increased risk of infection, which all contribute to premature death (CFF, 2017). Since it is recessive, you need two copies of the gene to
manifest the disease, but 1/30 Americans have at least one copy of the gene, so it is easily passed on (Hulslander 2017). To treat this disease, some
scientists believe a viral vector can be used in gene therapy while others say using a virus is too risky and suggest a non–viral approach, such as
liposomes...show more content...
Gene therapy is one of the newest, yet controversial solutions to treating many diseases, including Cystic Fibrosis. Gene therapy is the insertion of a
normal gene into deficient cells using an appropriate vector (Hart, et al. 2006). However, it does have potential risks, leading to the argument of if
they should be used or not, and if used, is a viral or non–viral approach better. It becomes complicated since many symptoms of these diseases begin in
early childhood, and deciding whether or not to subject a child to these possible dangers is a hard choice, but do the benefits outweigh the risks? As
stated above, Cystic Fibrosis can lead to early death, around 37 years old (Hulslander 2017), so if death is the impending result, shouldn't every
possible measure be examined, if not explored?
One side to this issue is the use of viral vectors in gene therapy to cure the underlying disease. One of the first viral vectors used was the adenovirus
vector. The adenovirus by itself is a linear double–stranded DNA molecule that causes mild respiratory infections, but when used as a vector, certain
genes and regions are removed to make it less harmful (Alton, et al. 2010). The adenovirus vector is easy to grow, adaptable, able to infect both
dividing and non–dividing cells and is quick to

Diseases: Cystic Fibrosis Essay
I along with my group members chose the topic of Cystic Fibrosis. This is a disease that affects roughly 70,000 children worldwide. The first
definitive description of Cystic Fibrosis was found in a child by Dr. Dorothy Anderson in 1938. There had been earlier sightings of the disease as
far back as the late 1800s. It was denoted by the taste of salt on a Childs forehead when kissed by a parent. This idea was proven when Paul di
Sant'Agnese proved that there was an increased salt excretion within patients who suffered from Cystic Fibrosis. With this break through the ability for
doctors to be able to diagnose children became a lot easier and got rid of a large number of invasive tests that were not as effective. In 1985 the medical
...show more content...
For determining if the your child has Cystic Fibrosis the first test that will be done when they are newborns. It is common practice know that all
newborns be screened for the disease in all states to detect for the faulty gene. This is done by either a genetic test or blood test. If the doctor suspects
that the child has Cystic Fibrosis he/she can order a few more tests such as lung function test, Sputum test, Sinus X–Ray, Chest X–Ray and Sweat Test.
Depending on the situation or availability of resources will determine which test the doctor will perform. The most common method used is the
sweat test. The doctor rubs an area of the patients body with a chemical to help the production of sweat. He then applies electric current to the area
in which he is testing and collects the sweat that is produced from the test. The doctor then will have the sample analyzed to determine the salt
content of the sample. If there is an abnormal amount of salt in the sample the doctor will most likely confirm that the patient has Cystic Fibrosis.
When it comes to children being children we all think of hyperactive little monsters that can go for hours without any need to stop and take a rest.
Unfortunately for parents who have kids with Cystic Fibrosis they are handicapped in a since of the word. This is due to fact that there are most
likely dead spaces in the lungs of a child who has Cystic Fibrosis. Dead Spaces are areas of the lungs

Cystic Fibrosis Research Papers
Cystic fibrosis, also known as mucoviscidosis, is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines.
Some symptoms are difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections. Other signs and symptoms include sinus
infections, poor growth, fatty stool, clubbing of the finger and toes, and infertility in males among others. Different people may have different stages of
the symptoms. In the lungs the mucus stops the air ways up with bacteria leading to lung damage or maybe even respiratory failure. There is also more
major symptoms like very salty tasting skin, pneumonia or bronchitis.
Every person inherits two CFTR genes, one from each parent. Children who inherit a faulty CFTR gene from each parent will have Cystic fibrosis.
Children who inherit one faulty CFTR gene and one normal CFTR gene are "CF carriers." CF carriers usually have no symptoms of CF and live...show
more content...
Lung infections are caused mostly by bacteria, are a serious and chronic problem for many people living with the disease. Limiting contact with germs
is a top concern for people with CF. The buildup of mucus in the pancreas can stop the person from getting there food and key nutrients, resulting in
malnutrition and poor growth. In the liver, the thick mucus can block the bile duct, causing liver disease. In men, CF can also affect the ability for
them to have children.
There are many treatments for cystic fibrosis. First treatment the patient can get is air way clearance. Air way clearance help loosen and get rid of the
thick mucus that can build up in the lungs. The second treatment they can use is the pancreatic enzyme supplement. These treatment capsules helps
improves the absorption of vital nutrients. These supplements are taken with every meal and most

Cystic Fibrosis Reflection Paper
I have not had a lot of involvement in Cystic Fibrosis community, besides reading newsletters, articles, and attending the yearly educational days. I
have always made it a priority to at least stay up to date with what is going on in the CF community. Whether I choose to take part in the CF
community or not was not important to me, as long as the option was there to make that decision. I attended many of the yearly educational days, as it
allowed me to learn new information about cystic fibrosis, its treatments, and the resources available to its patients. I also recently began to use the
social platform Tumblr to reach out to other cystic fibrosis patients, which provided a lot of support and understanding I never had before. In the near
future,

Cystic Fibrosis Essay

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Cystic Fibrosis Essay