cystic fibrosis..

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes the body to produce mucus that's extremely thick and sticky. The mucus in people with CF is thicker than normal because CF affects cells in the epithelium (pronounced: eh-puh-thee-lee-um), the layer of cells that lines the passages in the body's organs. In a person who does not have CF, the epithelial cells produce a thin, watery mucus that acts like a lubricant and helps protect the body's tissues. In a person with CF, however, the thicker mucus doesn't move as easily. This thick, sticky mucus clogs passages in many of the body's organs. The two organs that are most affected are the lungs and pancreas, where the thick mucus causes breathing and digestive problems. The thicker mucus has trouble moving out of the lungs, so bacteria can remain and cause infections. The thick mucus can also be found in the pancreas - an organ that produces proteins called enzymes that flow into the intestine to support the body's digestion process. Because the mucus can block the path between the pancreas and the intestines, people with CF have trouble digesting food and getting the vitamins and nutrients they need from it. CF can also affect the liver, the sweat glands, and the reproductive organs.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that affects the mucus-producing glands. Mucus is thick, and can obstruct air passages in the lungs and lead to infection. It also causes dysfunction of the sweat and salivary glands, and it blocks the enzymes secreted by the pancreatic duct, resulting in problems with digestion. Incidence is one in 3,200 Caucasian live births, one in 17,000 African American live births, and one in 31,000 Asian American live births.Cystic fibrosis can cause lung disease, failure to grow, clubbed fingers and toes, muscular weakness, and visual impairment.Treatment usually includes high doses of ibuprofen, antibiotics for pulmonary disease, and clearing of the airways with intermittent aerosol therapy. f you live in a state that does not perform screening on its newborns for all detectable disorders, there are laboratories that will provide this screening for you no matter the state of your residence.