Cystic Fibrosis Essay

Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most widespread genetic disorders in the modern world. While just 30,000 members of the American population is affected by the disease, millions of Americans are carriers of the disease the difference between carriers and sufferers of the disease lies in the autosomal recessive nature of Cystic fibrosis. A truly documented history of Cystic fibrosis did not exist until well into the 1930s, although people did have an idea of what it was, as shown by the old German verbalize that A child whose forehead tastes like salt when kissed will soon die. It was not until recently that scientists learned that the disease arises from a mutation in the CF gene located on chromosome 7. This is the gene that is responsible for the proper production of the protein CFTR, a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of the cells in a persons body. In a person with Cystic fibrosis, the lack of a properly functioning CFTR protein causes for the produc tion of sticky mucus that is as well thick and very salty sweat. This mucus can then either clog the airways, causing progressive damage and complications with the respiratory system, or can in addition block ducts in the pancreas, which basically causes vitamin deficiency and malnutrition.Cystic Fibrosis currently has no cure, but there are many treatment options to help minimize the effect of the disease to help people live well into their 40s or 50s. Nowadays there are a lot of organizations and charities aiming to raising awareness of the disease to provide researchers with enough money to hopefully find a cure, and with new aspects of the disease being learned with each project, the hope of a cure does not seem that far-fetched.BibliographyCystic Fibrosis Symptoms, Causes, Treatment What Are Other Names for Cystic Fibrosis? MedicineNet. MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2013. Cystic Fibrosis. Genetics Home Reference. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2013. uncovering Health. Di scovery Fit and Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Aug. 2013. Staff, Mayo Clinic. Definition. Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for MedicalEducation and Research, 13 June 2012. Web. 27 Aug. 2013.