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Overview
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most widespread fatal genetic diseases in the United States. A specific flawed gene triggers the disease in infancy and childhood and causes life-threatening symptoms. Glue-like mucus seriously obstructs breathing passages, making effortless breathing impossible. Bacterial colonies grow deep inside the lungs, leading to repeated severe lung infections. Dangerous digestive disorders prevent absorption of healthful nutrition, thus hampering normal growth and development. Until recently, most people with cystic fibrosis died in infancy or early childhood. With modern advances in treatment, however, many patients survive into their 20s and 30s and beyond. Cystic Fibrosis discusses this genetic disease, its history, current treatments, and how scientists are searching for a cure.
Genes&Disease The Genes and Disease series describes what scientists know and what they hope to learn in the near future about the relationship between genes and disease. While discussing the technologies and experimental methods that have led to our current understanding of a particular disorder, each title details the recent advances in medicine and molecular biology that may unlock the mysteries of genetic disease. The series surveys existing and potential future treatments, explores possible cures, and covers the ethical concerns of treating genetic diseases.
Synopsis
Cystic fibrosis is one of the most widespread fatal genetic diseases in the United States. A specific flawed gene triggers the disease in infancy and childhood and causes life-threatening symptoms. Glue-like mucus seriously obstructs breathing passages, making effortless breathing impossible. Bacterial colonies grow deep inside the lungs, leading to repeated severe lung infections. Dangerous digestive disorders prevent absorption of healthful nutrition, thus hampering normal growth and development. Until recently, most people with cystic fibrosis died in infancy or early childhood. With modern advances in treatment, however, many patients survive into their 20s and 30s and beyond. Cystic Fibrosis discusses this genetic disease, its history, current treatments, and how scientists are searching for a cure.
Genes&Disease The Genes and Disease series describes what scientists know and what they hope to learn in the near future about the relationship between genes and disease. While discussing the technologies and experimental methods that have led to our current understanding of a particular disorder, each title details the recent advances in medicine and molecular biology that may unlock the mysteries of genetic disease. The series surveys existing and potential future treatments, explores possible cures, and covers the ethical concerns of treating genetic diseases.