Cystic Fibrosis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5n29ZCvtCI8&feature=fvst
1.  What are the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis?
The signs are simple, 70% are diagnosed by the age of 2.  One thing is you have a lot of mucus.  Its thick and in your lungs.  Another thing is that the people have salty sweat.

2.  How common is this disorder?
70,000 people world wide have it.  With 30,000 being in the U.S.

3.  How is cystic fibrosis diagnosed?
It's diagnosed by a test they can run.

4.  How is cystic fibrosis inherited?  Does everyone who has a mutant gene for the protein have cystic fibrosis?
It is inherited by the gene of a parent.  Not everyone ends up with the disease, but it is very likely to end up with it.

PART 2

1.  Explain the normal function of the protein that is defective in cystic fibrosis.
It helps function the cells in the body.

2.  What happens to this protein in CF patients and what are the consequences for the health of these individuals?
The protein can be blocked in places of the body, and the CF patients have trouble with getting their vitamins and minerals out of there food.  This is a lack of digestion.

PART 3

1.  Explain at least 3 treatments for the symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
Lung transplant therapy,  chest drainage therapy, and oxygen therapy.

2.  Discuss at least 3 ways for parents to help their children who have cystic fibrosis.
Enroll them into sports, make them laugh, or hit them on the back.  As long as the mucus is coming up you are doing your part.