CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic Fibrosis

What does it mean to have Cystic Fibrosis?

By Millie Spencer

COMMON SYMPTOMS Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and the digestive system such as the liver, pancreas, intestines; it can also affect sex organs.

What happens when the enzymes dont reach the intestine?

Without the enzymes the pancreas makes the body can not absorb protein and fat; which causes vitamin deficiency

Repeated lung infections Repeated sinus infections Shortness of breath Large foul-smelling stools Chronic cough Diarrhea Poor weight gain Salty skin taste Delayed sexual development Poor growth

How does it affect these systems?

The secretory glands (glands in charge of making mucus or sweat) make thick and sticky mucus that builds up, blocking the bodys airways and lungs, these secretions are thicker than normal. The mucus also blocks ducts in the pancreas; as a result the pancreas is unable to pass on the enzymes it digests to the intestine.

How do you get CF?

This disease is inherited. A child must receive two cystic fibrosis genes from each parent to develop the disease; if only one is passed on then the child is called a carrier.

Why is the mucus build up dangerous?

How is CF Diagnosed?
Typically when a child is born they are tested. If not, then a sweat test is done to determine if there are high levels of chloride in the sweat. This is indicative that persos has cystic fibrosis.

The mucus build up in the body makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This leads to having continuous lung infections that can damage the lungs over time.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

IMPORTANT FACTS

Research Milestones
In 2010 the FDA approves a new inhaled antibiotic Cayston; which helps recurrent lung infections Lung transplants have prolonged life expectancy Harvard stem cell researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital are close to creating a drug that hits the major problems of the disease.

Approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. have Cystic Fibrosis; while 6 million are carriers. Cystic Fibrosis is more common in Caucasians, affecting 1 in 3,000 newborns. CF is less common among African Americans. There is no way to prevent cystic fibrosis. In the 1950s children with cystic fibrosis did not live to attend elementary school The life expectancy with cystic fibrosis is beyond 40 years of age. Close to 12 million Americans are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene. 98% of men with cystic fibrosis are infertile due to blockage of the duct that carries sperm to the testes.

Teaching Students with Cystic Fibrosis

N,nmbjhvbhjv Have knowledge of the students Health Support Plan. Teach the classroom about inclusiveness Maintain a clean classroom Regularly communicate with parents about the students success and development Allow frequent trips to the bathroom Be available for one-one time with the student due to frequent absences Be familiar with the students IEP Family Resources Cystic Fibrosis Foundation National Headquarters 6931 Arlington Rd, 2nd Floor, Bethesda MD 20814 www.cff.org Phone: 1(800) FIGHT CF (1800-344-4823) Genetic Alliance 4301 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 404 Washington, DC 20008 www.geneticalliance.org Phone: (202) 966-5557

References Colen, B. (2012).Big advance against cystic fibrosis. Harvard Gazette.Retrieved from http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/ story/2012/04/big-advanceagainst- cystic-fibrosis/ "Cystic fibrosis." Edward Rosick, DO, MPH, MS. and Monique Laberge, PhD. The Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health: Infancy through Adolescence. Ed. Jacqueline L. Longe. 2nd ed. Detroit: Gale, 2011. 4 vol Doull, I. J. M. (2001). Recent advances in cystic fibrosis. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 85(1), 62-6. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.aacc.edu/login?url=h ttp://search.proquest.com/docview/ 196840544?accountid=40680