Cystic Fibrosis
What Increases Your Risk
Cystic fibrosis is a Reference genetic disorder Opens New Window. Specifically, cystic fibrosis is an Reference autosomal recessive disease. This means that to get the disease, you must inherit the changed (mutated) gene from both parents. Keep in mind:
- If a person inherits the changed gene from only one parent, he or she will not develop cystic fibrosis but will be a Reference carrier Opens New Window of the disease. Carriers may pass the cystic fibrosis gene defect on to their children.
- If you are planning a pregnancy and you are white, talk to your doctor about having a Reference genetic test to find out your chances of having a child with cystic fibrosis. The disease is much more common in white people than in people of other races.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 12, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology |
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