Cystic FibrosisBrianna, Anna, and Megan

Biology Period 4

The History of Cystic Fibrosis

The first known definition of Cystic Fibrosis was written in 1938 by Dr. Dorothy Anderson, a pathologist in the New York Babies Hospital.

In the 17th century, there were several reports of babies clearly having Cystic Fibrosis.

Physical Effects and Symptoms

very salty-tasting skin persistent coughing, at times with

phlegm frequent lung infections wheezing or shortness of breath poor growth/weight gain in spite of a

good appetite frequent greasy, bulky stools or

difficulty in bowel movements

Treatments

Mucus-Thinners: by thinning the mucus in the throat, coughing it out becomes easier.

Antibiotics: slow or kill bacterial growth (TOBI® or “Tobramycin for Inhilation”)

Anti-Inflammatories: decrease tissue swelling and inflammation – inflammation causes lung damage.

Bronchodilators: medicine that opens airways to make breathing easier.

Cures and Life Expectancy

There is no cure but certain treatments and medicine can enhance the quality of life for those with Cystic Fibrosis.

The severity and how early the disease is diagnosed determines the life expectancy.› 45% of US citizens with Cystic Fibrosis are

over the age of 18.› The life expectancy, as of 2009, was for

the patient to live until their mid 30s.

How is it passed on?

Cystic Fibrosis is passed on through a defective gene and its protein.

This causes an abnormally gooey mucus that can clogs airways and lungs and lead to lung infections that can be life threatening.

This gooey mucus can also block the pancreas and prevent natural enzymes from helping the body digest and absorb food.

Fun Facts

People with Cystic Fibrosis inherit a detective gene on the 7 chromosome.

It affects the lungs, pancreas, and small intestine.

There are more than 1,000 different mutations in the CFTR gene that have been identified in Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

In the US, about 2,500 babies were born with Cystic Fibrosis.

Famous People with Cystic Fibrosis

Albert Einstein- one of the greatest scientists of all time

Andrew Simmons- British Professional Wrestler

William Thomas Williams- former professional soccer player

Fraser Brown- UK Prime Ministers son

Cystic Fibrosis Pedigree Chart

Works Cited

"About CF: Causes, Signs & Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis | CF Foundation." About CF: Causes, Signs & Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis | CF Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

"History of Cystic Fibrosis [Cystic Fibrosis Trust]." History of Cystic Fibrosis [Cystic Fibrosis Trust]. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2013.

"Famous People with Cystic Fibrosis." Historyking.com. N.p., n.d. Web.