Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands. This portion of the eMedTV library provides a complete overview of cystic fibrosis, including information on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this disease.
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.
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.
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.
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, 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).
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.
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.
Cystic fibrosis genetic testing usually involves a DNA-based blood test. As this eMedTV article explains, this type of test is highly accurate; however, it should not be used alone to diagnose cystic fibrosis.
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, 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.
As this eMedTV article explains, people living with cystic fibrosis should learn as much as they can about the disease and learn how to manage it. This page offers tips on self-care, such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco smoke.
Cystic fibrosis affects both males and females and people from all racial and ethnic groups. This eMedTV Web page discusses cystic fibrosis and who it affects. Cystic fibrosis mainly occurs in Caucasians whose ancestors came from northern Europe.
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