Cystic Fibrosis Essay example -- essays research papers

Cystic Fibrosis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive trait on chromosome 7. This disorder affects chloride transport resulting in abnormal mucus production. This lifelong illness usually gets more severe with age and can affect both males and females. Symptoms and severity differ from person to person. Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal inherited disease among whites and the major cause of chronic lung disease in children. 50% of people are expected to live to be 30, but a majority die before age thirteen. 1:2000 whites have cystic fibrosis, 1:17000 blacks, 1:6000 live births, 1:2500 Americans, and 1:20 is a carrier.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The genes are inherited in pairs, with one gene coming from each parent to make the pair. Cystic fibrosis occurs when both genes have mutations. A person with cystic fibrosis receives one cystic fibrosis gene from each parent. The parents of a child, with cystic fibrosis, each carry one nonworking copy of the gene and one working copy of the gene. The parents are called cystic fibrosis carriers, and because they have one working gene they have no symptoms. Carrier parents have 1:4 chance to have a child who is a noncarrier of cystic fibrosis, a 1:2 chance to have a child who carries the gene, and a 1:4 chance with each pregnancy to have an affected child. If you have a son or daughter with cystic fibrosis, then you have a 1:1 chance of being a carrier. If you have a brother or sister with CF, you have a 2:3 chance of being a carrier. If you have a niece or nephew with CF, you have a 1:2 chance of being a carrier. If you have an aunt or uncle with CF, you have a 1:3 chance of being a carrier and a 1:4 chance if you have a 1st cousin with CF.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs in particular. The secretions are thick and sticky rather than thin and watery. This interferes with the removal of dust and germs. It can lead to lung infections and even chronic lung damage. Air passages become clogged with mucus and there is often widespread obstruction of the bronchioles. Expiration is especially difficult. More and more air becomes trapped in the lungs, which results in obstructive emphysema. Atelectasis can occur leaving small areas collapsed. Eventually the chest assumes a barrel shape. The right ventricle, which supplies the lungs, may become strain... ...gerate and be demanding for attention.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Parents may have knowledge deficit and may need a lot of teaching and explanation. One of the misconception parents have is that their child's intelligence is greatly decreased. Intelligence is not affected. Parents often feel guilty, since this is an inherited disease. The child spends the majority of his time at home due to this lengthy illness. The child is also hospitalized for complications although stays are short to prevent exposure to other infections and illnesses. This puts a financial, physical, and emotional burden on the family. When do the parents find time for each other, themselves, or other children? How do they distribute their time and energy equally and fairly? Parents need encouragement and reassurance. They also need explicit instructions. Parent groups can help along with the Nat'l CF Research Foundation and the 1-800-FIGHT-CF hotline. Parents usually need help from a social worker and financial help for special equipment. Insist parents to get help from other family members or friends and encourage them to get away from it all periodically. Alarm clocks can remind them of medication times.