Abou t Cyst ic Fibr osis
By: Sebastian Ardila & Fabricio Rumié Grade: 7-38
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung
infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.
1. Wh at Is Cyst ic Fibr osis?
In people with CF, a defective gene causes a
thick, sticky buildup of mucus in the lungs,
pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the
mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria
leading to infections, extensive lung damage,
and eventually, respiratory failure. In the
pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of
digestive enzymes that allow the body to break
down food and absorb vital nutrients.
Sym pt om s of CF
People with CF can have a variety of symptoms,
including:
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Very salty-tasting skin
Persistent coughing, at times with
phlegm
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Frequent lung infections including
pneumonia or bronchitis
Wheezing or shortness of breath
Poor growth or weight gain in spite of a
good appetite
Frequent greasy, bulky stools or
difficulty with bowel movements.
Male infertility.
2. Diagn osis an d Gen et ics
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. People with
CF have inherited two copies of the defective
CF gene -- 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 do not have