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Endocrinology
Family Medicine
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Endocrinologist
Cystic Fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene (chloride gland dysfunction) on chromosome 7 and involvement of exocrine gland dysfunction. Problems in the chloride channel transport of water and ions result in thick or sticky secretions in the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, sweat glands, and other exocrine tissues. It is difficult to clear thick secretions, which results in clogging causing symptoms.
Cystic fibrosis is the most common deadly hereditary disease in the white population in the United States. It is common worldwide, with the highest incidence found among people of Northern European ancestry. There is a high carrier rate, also being one in 25 people. If both parents are carriers, 1 in 4 children can have the disease. It is least prevalent in Africans and Asians.
The history of cystic fibrosis in a family is the most important risk factor. You are at higher risk of cystic fibrosis if any of your family members are suffering from it, like a parent, a sibling, or a cousin, and also if any or both of your parents carry the mutated CFTR gene.
Signs and symptoms depend upon the organ system involved.
RESPIRATORY TRACT SYMPTOMS
GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT SYMPTOMS
UROGENITAL TRACT SYMPTOMS
• Undescended Testicle; a condition when the testicle is not moved to the scrotum.
• Male infertility
• Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) may occur in females with severe nutritional deficiency.
Other symptoms include Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, salty-tasting skin,
A patient’s history is obtained, and a doctor performs a physical examination to diagnose cystic fibrosis. Diagnosis is based on typical lung and gastrointestinal symptoms, family history, and a positive sweat chloride test. A more salty sweat than usual and the respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms present confirm the diagnosis.
Genetic testing
Other supportive tests for the organs system affected are;
Some other diseases may have the same symptoms.
A comprehensive care approach must be followed to improve quality of life and render a person independent and symptoms-free. Mild acute pulmonary exacerbations can be treated successfully at home with the help of the following measures.
Treatment for complications
Your doctor may prescribe you the following medications.
Cystic fibrosis disease is incurable. The treatment can provide only symptomatic relief. The median survival age for a person suffering from cystic fibrosis is around 37 years. However, advances in the research domain for medical and surgical treatment have improved the survival rates over the last decades and made it possible to live until the age of 40.
Cystic fibrosis is incurable but adopting the following lifestyle changes helps people cope with the illness.
Our clinical experts continually monitor the health and medical content posted on CURA4U, and we update our blogs and articles when new information becomes available. Last reviewed by Dr.Saad Zia on May 16, 2023.
Cystic Fibrosis - What Is Cystic Fibrosis? | NHLBI, NIH
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/cystic-fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis in the year 2020: A disease with a new face - De Boeck - 2020 - Acta Paediatrica - Wiley Online Library
Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disorder of the exocrine glands, which is the most common genetic disease in whites. Exocrine glands are structures present throughout the body whose function is to produce and secrete vital secretions to help other organ systems to perform their physiological roles. Examples of such secretions are digestive juices, sweat, saliva, tears, milk, etc.
Cystic fibrosis involves multiple organ systems but mainly results in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic enzymes insufficiency, and associated complications in untreated patients. End-stage lung disease is the leading cause of death. Most patients are diagnosed on newborn screening or at the age of 6-8 months; two-thirds of patients are diagnosed by one year of age.