Cystic Fibrosis
In the United States, cystic fibrosis is a common genetic disease that mainly affects Caucasians. This eMedTV segment provides a complete overview of cystic fibrosis, including information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease.
Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms
Common cystic fibrosis symptoms include frequent coughing, salty-tasting skin, and dehydration. This eMedTV article discusses these signs and symptoms in detail. This article also lists some of the medical conditions that can result from these symptoms.
Causes of Cystic Fibrosis
As this eMedTV article explains, the cause of cystic fibrosis is linked to a defect in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This segment discusses this gene in detail, including inheritance risks.
Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
Antibiotics, chest physical therapy, and exercise are common cystic fibrosis treatments. This eMedTV resource describes these options in detail and explains why the main goal of treatment is to control infections in the lungs.
Cystic Fibrosis Gene
As this eMedTV article explains, the full name of the gene for cystic fibrosis is the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A defect in this gene what causes the gene, and this page explains how it is inherited.
Pulmozyme
Pulmozyme is a drug that can help improve lung function in people with cystic fibrosis. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at the drug, explaining how it works, possible side effects, tips and precautions for those taking it, and more.
Cystic Fibrosis Gene Therapy
As this eMedTV article explains, gene therapy for cystic fibrosis does more than treat symptoms; it targets the cause of the disease. This page covers the challenges, history, and effects of this type of gene therapy.
Cystic Fibrosis Sweat Test
The cystic fibrosis sweat test measures the amount of salt in your sweat. As this eMedTV article explains, it is the most useful test for making a diagnosis. This page discusses the sweat test in detail and includes a link to other information.
Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis
As this eMedTV article explains, making a cystic fibrosis diagnosis involves taking the patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering tests (particularly a sweat test). Prenatal testing is also discussed.
Early Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
Early symptoms of cystic fibrosis include salty-tasting skin, ongoing diarrhea, and frequent coughing. This eMedTV article discusses these symptoms and explains that early symptoms do not necessarily occur in every person who has cystic fibrosis.
Prenatal Testing for Cystic Fibrosis
Prenatal testing for cystic fibrosis is performed by amniocentesis or chorionic villus biopsy. This eMedTV article discusses these options in detail and includes information on a test that can determine if you are a carrier of cystic fibrosis.
