Cystic Fibrosis Articles
Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to cystic fibrosis including topics such as pulmozyme, cystic fibrosis sweat test, and causes of cystic fibrosis. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.
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.
Common cystic fibrosis symptoms include frequent coughing, salty-tasting skin, and dehydration. This eMedTV article discusses these symptoms in detail. This article also lists some of the medical conditions that can result from these symptoms.
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of cystic fibrosis are linked to a defect in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. This segment discusses this gene in detail.
Treatment for cystic fibrosis involves antibiotics, chest physical therapy, and exercise. This eMedTV resource describes these options in detail and explains why the main goal of cystic fibrosis treatment is to control infections in the lungs.
As this eMedTV article explains, the full name of the cystic fibrosis gene is the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A defect in this gene is the cause of cystic fibrosis. This page provides an overview of this gene.
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.
As this eMedTV article explains, cystic fibrosis gene therapy targets the cause of cystic fibrosis rather than just treating the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. This page covers the challenges, history, and effects of cystic fibrosis gene therapy.
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 of cystic fibrosis. This article discusses the sweat test in detail.
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 cystic fibrosis sweat test).
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.
