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Cystic Fibrosis
DefinitionCystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that affects sodium channels in the body and causes respiratory and digestive problems.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Cystic fibrosis affects the mucus and sweat glands of the body and is caused by a defective gene. Thick mucus is formed in the breathing passages of the lungs and this predisposes the person to chronic lung infections.
Many pancreatic enzymes involved in the breakdown and absorption of fats in the intestine are absent, causing malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract) and malnutrition.
Most males with cystic fibrosis are infertile. About one in 2500 Caucasians is affected, and 2-5% of Caucasians carry the cystic fibrosis gene.
It is the most common fatal hereditary disorder affecting Caucasians in the United States. It is most common among Caucasians of Northern or Central European descent and is much less common in other ethnic groups. Risk factors include a family history of cystic fibrosis or unexplained infant death.
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• Definition
• Cystic Fibrosis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms & Signs
• Cystic Fibrosis Prevention
• Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis & Tests
• Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
• Cystic Fibrosis Prognosis
• Cystic Fibrosis Complications
• Cystic Fibrosis Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Cor Pulmonale
• Malabsorption
• Pneumonia
• Pneumothorax
Tests & Exams
• CT Scan
• Fecal Fat
• Pulmonary Function Tests
• Secretin Stimulation Test
• Skull X-Ray
• Sweat Electrolytes
• Trypsin and Chymotrypsin in Stool
• Upper GI and Small Bowel Series
Surgery & Procedures
• Lung Transplant
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chronic
• Cough
• Cystic Fibrosis - Resources
• Delayed Growth
• Diarrhea
• Fat
• Fatigue
• Meconium
• Pain Medications
• Percussion
• Resources
• Respiratory
• Stools - Pale or Clay Colored
• Stress and Anxiety
• Weight Loss - Unintentional
• Wheezing
Review Date : 12/9/2002
Reviewed By : A.D.A.M. Inc. editorial. Previous review: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. (5/24/2002)
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