Pathophysiology of Cystic Fibrosis

Running head: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
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Running head: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
Etiology and Risk factors:...............................................................................................................3
Pathophysiology processes:.............................................................................................................4
Clinical manifestations and complications:.....................................................................................4
Diagnosis:........................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................5
References:......................................................................................................................................6

Running head: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Introduction:
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that is transmitted from one generation to another. The
human body produces thick mucus as a result of cystic fibrosis. This mucus clogs the lungs and
blocks the path through pancreas (Stoltz, D. A., Meyerholz & Welsh, 2015). On severe
complication, cystic fibrosis can progress to liver disease and diabetes. Lung infections are
caused due to inability in coughing out the mucus from the lungs. The thickness of mucus causes
this condition. Pancreatic functions are stopped because the enzymes are unable to breakdown
the food. This condition gives rise to digestive problems. Thirty thousand people are affected by
cystic fibrosis in the United States. One thousand new cases are diagnosed every year
(Stephenson et al., 2017). According to statistical reports, seventy-five per cent of the total
patients are children under two years. This paper first discusses the etiology and risk factors of
the disease. Then this paper talks about pathophysiological processes, followed by the clinical
manifestations and complications of cystic fibrosis along with the diagnostics plan.
Etiology and Risk factors:
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defect in the cftr gene, which controls the movement of
electrolytes within the human body. This gene is located on chromosome 7 (Cutting, Engelhardt,
& Zeitlin 2019). Associated risk factors of the disease are hereditary. These defective genes,
when passed on from one generation to another. Classes one, two and three are the most adverse
ones, whereas categories three and four are mild. Cystic fibrosis becomes much more dangerous
at higher ages. This is because the body fails to repair the defective genes, and cystic fibrosis
progresses on uncured. Cystic fibrosis affected people has to intake a considerable amount of
calorie to maintain weight and growth. Regular physical exercises can support the healthy state