CYSTIC FIBROSIS

RECESSIVE

AUTOSOMAL

SYMPTOMS

• Clogs lungs
• Life-threatening lung infections
• Obstructs pancreas, which stops the enzyme's from helping the body break down food
• Salty-tasting skin
• Persistent coughing and wheezing

SYMPTOMS CONT.

• Poor growth/weight gain despite good diet
• Frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements

STATISTICS

• 30,000 people in US effected
• 70,000 worldwide
• Most common in US Caucasians
• 1,000 new cases a year
• In 2009, median life expectancy was mid-thirties but continues to rise

LIVING WITH CF

• Some must use airway clearance techniques
• Such as mucus thinners, antibiotics, antiinflammitories
• Must take vitamins or pancreatic enzyme supplements
• Also take aerosol medicines
• Usually have to go a certified hospital for CF

CF AND TB

• If you are a heterozygous carrier for CF, then you are resistance to TB

WAYS TO TREAT CF

• Lung transplants, which can help but cannot cure
• Gene therapy is being researched

FUNDRAISING

• Cycle for Life (more than 75 chapters)
• Great Strides
• Golf tournaments