The Cystic Fibrosis Gene

Cystic Fibrosis is a hereditary disease in which the lungs,
liver and pancreas secrete large amounts of thick mucus. A
cystic fibroses patient has difficulty breathing because
mucus clogs his lungs. He/she cannot digest food completely
because plugs of mucus prevent the liver and the pancreas
from secreting their digestive enzymes. The blockage by
mucus also damages tissues in the organs involved. Many
victims die of lung infections. Cystic fibrosis, also
called mucoviscidosis, cannot be cured. 

Scientists do not know the exact nature of the inherited
defect that causes cystic fibrosis. The disease is
diagnosed by testing the patient's perspiration. Persons
with cystic fibrosis have large amounts of salt in their
perspiration, saliva, and tears, particularly the
perspiration. 

No cure is known, but health can be improved and life
extended considerably with antibiotics and attention to
pulmonary complication. Since this disease has been
recognized for only some 30 years, further experience is
needed before life expectancy data are meaningful.