For the past few hundred years, …show more content…
Nonetheless, it is less common in African Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, but it is mostly common in whites whose ancestors came from Europe. Both males and females are affected by this disorder, however, it can be seen as more severe in males. Around 97-98% of men are infertile due to a blockage or absence of the sperm canal, or also known as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (Fertility In Men With CF, 2017). The severity of this disorder is life threatening without treatment as the conditions of the lungs worsen over time. To have Cystic Fibrosis, one must inherit two abnormal CF genes- one from each parent, which would classify them as carriers for this autosomal recessive disorder. Each child, whether male or female has a 25% chance of receiving this defect (SIRS Cystic Fibrosis, 1999). Not only does Cystic Fibrosis affect the patients who have it, it also affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug of tubes, and passageways especially in the lung and pancreas (SIRS Cystic Fibrosis, …show more content…
However, the most commonly reported symptoms of this disorder in the respiratory system are persistent coughs with thick mucus, wheezing, breathlessness, and repeated lung infections (Mayo Clinic Cystic Fibrosis, 2016). People with Cystic Fibrosis have a higher than normal level of salt in their sweat so parents will often be able to taste the salt when they kiss their children (Mayo Clinic Cystic Fibrosis, 2016). According to the Mayo Clinic (2016), signs to look out for in the digestive system include foul smelling and greasy stools, poor weight gain and growth, and intestinal blockage particularly in newborns. Other medical problems this disorder causes include damaged airways due to rough and excessive coughing, chronic infections of bacteria and fungi, growths in the nose due to the lining of the nose constantly being swollen and inflamed, and coughing up blood overtime because of the thinning airway walls. Other disorders are typically not mistaken for this because the signs are quite significant and different from others, although it has been called by other names such as Mucoviscidosis and Fibrocystic disease of the pancreas. Cystic Fibrosis requires daily care, however children and adults with this disorder are still able to attend work and school. Although, if someone is showing symptoms of this disease, then talk with a doctor immediately so a plan and treatment can be