by elizabeth little and leah raygo cystic fibrosis: the crisis in ireland
TRANSCRIPT
BY ELIZABETH LITTLE AND LEAH RAYGO
Cystic Fibrosis: The Crisis in Ireland
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease.
It affects the lungs and digestive system causing:
Lungs clogged with mucus
Stops enzymes that break down food.
How is Cystic Fibrosis Inherited?
Every child born inherits a CFTR gene, but if it is faulty the child will get CF.
Cystic Fibrosis is caused by a defect in the CFTR gene. This gene produces protein that controls the salt and water in your cells. People who don’t have CF, their mucus is watery. While people with CF, their mucus is sticky and extremely salty.
What Are the Chances of Getting Cystic Fibrosis?
Let’s say, the mother and father are carriers of the gene. When they have children there is a ¼ chance he will be unaffected, 2/4 chance they will be affected but just a carrier, and a ¼ chance he will have cystic fibrosis.
Issue In Ireland
Cystic Fibrosis is currently Ireland’s most common deadly disease.
1 in 19 people are carriers in Ireland.
Over 1,100 people in Ireland are undergoing treatment for CF.
Can Cystic Fibrosis Be Prevented?
So far there is no cure or prevention for cystic fibrosis. Though the treatments have greatly improved.
The Goals of CF treatments are to:
Prevent and control lung infections
Loosen & remove thick, sticky mucus from the lungs
Prevent or treat blockages in the intestines
Provide enough nutrition
Prevent dehydration
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Although there is no cure for CF, many organizations aid patients and their families.
Established in 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation leads in CF research.
It also cares for patients
Fundraises for research
Has 115 care centers nationwide.
Provides information about CF.
Could We Stop the Passing of CF?
Right now, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. But what if there was a way we could stop the passing of CF?
If carriers of the gene stopped marrying other carriers, the chances of that gene would be lower. If people keep doing that, then maybe in a few generations cases of cystic fibrosis could be greatly reduced.