Here is a description I came up with when asked to explain CF. I am sharing it in case you would like to use it also. For those who would like to know a little more about cf, here is some information. Cystic fibrosis is caused by the improper transfer of salt in the body, which causes mucus build-up in the lungs and digestive system. Imagine it like this: There are two anthills. In the first anthill, all the ants do what they are supposed to do. The pick up their crumbs and walk in a straight line back through the tunnels of the anthill, sustaining it. This is how salt transfers in a normal body. Salt keeps the lining of the lungs and stomach healthy. Even if mucus does build up with sickness, it isnt super thick, so it doesnt stay there. In the second anthill, the ants might pick up the crumbs, or they might not. Even if they pick up the crumbs, they cant walk in a straight line and end up everywhere outside of the anthill. Because the ants never make it to the anthill, the tunnels fill with sand and become useless, until eventually, the anthill can no longer work. This is what happens with a cf body. The salt never gets into the lungs and digestive system. Because it never makes it, a thick mucus builds up and eventually, the lungs become useless. The person gets to where they either need a double lung transplant, or they end up with pneumonia or the like and they die since their lungs are already so weak. Digestive enzymes are used to help mucus from building up in the stomach, but they dont always work, so many cf patients have trouble gaining weight. Researchers have found the gene that causes cystic fibrosis. They are searching for a cure. There are several studies in gene therapy going on, along with studies of new medicines to treat cf.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 18:55:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015