May is CF Awareness month. Let’s breathe in together as we learn more about Cystic Fibrosis.
What is Cystic Fribrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis causes the cells of the body to produce mucus that is thick and sticky. Inability to clear this creates a mucus build-up affecting the lungs, sinuses, pancreas intestines, liver, and reproductive organs.
It is a severe genetic disease but with the advancement in medical science, managing the disease through treatment to increase quality of life and life expectancy if possible.
There are more than 2000 mutations in the CFTR gene already identified, however the most common mutations is DeltaF508
Parents of children with Cystic Fibrosis are carriers, meaning they carry one copy of the mutated gene. Carriers do not show any symptoms of the disease, but they can pass their mutated gene to their children.
Diagnosis:
Genetic Testing - is considered very essential. Through genetic testing, parents can learn beforehand if they are carriers of Cystic Fibrosis. A baby can be diagnosed with CF before any symptoms start appearing, which allows for preventative and prompt treatment.
Sweat Test - is also commonly used as a diagnostic test on a patient - if the sodium chloride levels exceed the normal ranges, it is very likely that the person has Cystic Fibrosis.