Influenza, or “the flu,” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that is caused by a virus. For people with cystic fibrosis, getting the flu may cause a worsening of symptoms and lead to a faster decline in lung function.
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The faulty gene that causes cystic fibrosis disrupts the normal flow of salt and water in and out of the lungs and other organs. This salt imbalance results in thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the lungs, allowing germs to thrive and multiply.
Every person has two copies of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. A person must inherit two copies of the CFTR gene that contain mutations — one copy from each parent — to have cystic fibrosis.
In an international research project, scientists are examining cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations to determine which ones cause CF and to provide additional information associated with these mutations. Their findings are available in an online searchable database.
There are many things you can do to help reduce the risk of getting or spreading germs while traveling.
Carrier (or genetic) testing not only plays a key role in the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, but testing also allows parents to find out what their chances are of having a child with CF to help inform important family planning decisions.
Aspergillus species is a fungus that often lives in the airways of children and adults with cystic fibrosis. When people develop an allergic reaction to Aspergillus, it is called allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa are strains of bacteria that are widely found in the environment. Pseudomonas is a major cause of lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis. The bacteria thrive in moist environments and equipment, such as humidifiers and catheters in hospital wards, and in kitchens, bathrooms, pools, hot tubs and sinks.
Newborn screening (NBS) is a program run by each state to identify babies born with certain health conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Although a sweat test should ultimately be done to rule out or confirm a CF diagnosis, NBS can help you and your health care providers take immediate steps to keep your child as healthy as possible.
Dr. Dorothy Andersen first wrote about cystic fibrosis in 1938, and our understanding of the disease has significantly evolved since. There are still many misconceptions about what CF looks like today, from the person who lives with the disease to how it manifests.