Cystic Fibrosis By Tu Trinh Vu

What is Cystic Fibrosis? It is a genetic disease that is passed

down through families that causes a thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body.

The Cause. It is caused by a defective gene where

it does not produce the protein for the salt channels, resulting with the buildup of mucus.

Prevention? It is genetic, therefore there is no

prevention of this disease.

Who is Affected. It is most common in Caucasians, and

most is deadly. 1 in 29 Caucasians have the Cystic

Fibrosis Gene.

Diagnosis. Blood Test Chest X-ray Lung Function Test Fecal Fat Test Sweat Chloride Test

How the System Normally Works.

Air goes down trachea

& bronchi

Air Comes through

mouth/nose.

Ends in alveoli

Air (O2) moves form

alveoli to blood.

Watery mucus layer helps trap & move debris.

Salt channels maintain

layer.

Air goes down trachea

& bronchi

Air Comes through

mouth/nose.

Ends in alveoli

Air (O2) moves form

alveoli to blood.

How the Disease Affects Homeostasis

Thick mucus builds up in lungs, and eventually

causing problems in

digestive tract, and other areas.

Genetic mutation causes salt channels to

unevenly distribute salt

and water across the layer of cells.

Salt channels maintain

layer.

Symptoms. In Newborns:

› Delayed growth› Failure to gain weight normally› No bowel movements in first 24-48 hours› Salty-tasting skin

Symptoms. In the Bowel Functions:

› Belly pain from severe constipation› Increased gas & bloating› Nausea & loss of appetite› Stool, that are pale or clay colored, foul

smelling, and have mucus.

Symptoms. Lungs & Sinuses

› Coughing› Increases Mucus in the sinuses/lungs

Symptoms. Weight loss Pneumonia Infertility

Treatment. Lungs:

› Antibiotics to prevent & treat lung & sinus infections

› Inhaled medicines › DNA enzymes therapy› Flu Vaccine› Lung Transplant› Oxygen Therapy

Treatments. Bowels:

› Special diet high in protein & calories› Pancreatic enzymes to help absorb fats &

proteins› Vitamin supplements

Bibliography.

Pictures are Hyperlinked!

Sources of Information: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0

001167/ http://people.usd.edu/~bgoodman/HotT.htm http://www.peds.ufl.edu/divisions/pulmonary/asth

ma/normal-lung-function.asp http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/disorders/

whataregd/cf/