Cystic Fibrosis Life Span
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by a defective gene which causes the
body to produce abnormally thick and sticky fluid, called mucus. This
mucus builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the
pancreas, the organ that helps to break down and absorb food.This
collection of sticky mucus results in life-threatening lung infections
and serious digestion problems. The disease may also affect the sweat
glands and a man's reproductive system.Millions of Americans
carry the defective CF gene, but do not have any symptoms. That's
because a person with CF must inherit two defective CF genes -- one from
each parent. An estimated 1 in 29 Caucasian Americans have the CF gene.
The disease is the most common, deadly, inherited disorder affecting
Caucasians in the United States. It's more common among those of
Northern or Central European descent.Most children with CF are
diagnosed by age 2. A small number, however, are not diagnosed until age
18 or older. These patients usually have a milder form of the disease.
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