Cystic Fibrosis (cont.)
Who is at risk for cystic fibrosis?
About 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis (CF).
- It affects both males and females.
- It affects people from all racial and ethnic groups but is most common among Caucasians whose ancestors came from northern Europe.
CF is one of the most common inherited diseases among Caucasians.
About 1 in every 3,000 babies born in the United States has CF.
CF is also common in:
- Latinos
- Native Americans, especially the Pueblo and Zuni
CF is much less common among:
- African Americans
- Asian Americans
About 12 million Americans are carriers of an
abnormal CF gene. Many of them do not know that they are CF carriers.
What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
Most of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis (CF) are caused by the thick, sticky mucus. The most common symptoms include:
CF can also lead to other medical problems, including:
- Sinusitis. The
sinuses are air-filled spaces behind your eyes, nose, and forehead. They produce mucus and help keep the lining of your nose moist. When the sinuses become swollen, they get blocked with mucus and can become infected. Most people with CF develop
sinusitis.
- Bronchiectasis.
Bronchiectasis is a lung disease in which the bronchial tubes, or large airways
in your lungs, become stretched out and flabby over time and form pockets where
mucus collects. The mucus provides a breeding ground for bacteria. This leads to
repeated lung infections. Each infection does more damage to the bronchial
tubes. If not treated, bronchiectasis can lead to serious illness, including
respiratory failure.
- Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is inflammation in the pancreas that causes pain.
- Episodes of intestinal blockage, especially in newborns.
- Nasal polyps, or growths in your nose, that may require
surgery.
- Clubbing. Clubbing is the widening and rounding of the tips of your fingers and toes. It develops because your lungs are not moving enough
oxygen into your blood stream.
- Collapsed lung. This is also called
pneumothorax.
- Rectal prolapse. Frequent coughing or problems
passing stools may cause rectal tissue from inside you to move out of your
rectum.
- Liver disease
due
to inflammation or blocked bile ducts.
- Diabetes.
- Gallstones.
- Low bone density because you do not get enough
Vitamin D.
Next: How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed? »
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