HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Screening
What Is Cystic Fibrosis?
Reference Cystic fibrosis Opens New Window (CF) is an inherited disease caused by
a change (mutation) in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR)
Reference gene Opens New Window. It is a chronic, progressive disease that causes
Reference mucus Opens New Window to become thick and sticky. The mucus builds up
and clogs passages in many of the body's organs, but mostly in the
Reference lungs and the pancreas Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window. In the lungs, the mucus can cause serious breathing
problems and lung disease. In the pancreas, the mucus can cause digestive
problems and malnutrition, which can lead to problems with growth and
development.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 15, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Susanna McColley, MD - Pediatric Pulmonology |
|
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