Cystic Fibrosis: Is it in YOUR genes?

Impacting less than 40,000 people in the U.S., Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disorder that primarily affects the lungs and intestines. That said, CF has been known to impact multiple organs, including the liver, spleen, esophagus, pancreas, nose, bones, and more.  The disease is most commonly associated with blocked airways, trapped germs, and a lack of necessary proteins. These three main issues can then lead to lung damage, increased infections, and malnutrition. CF has also been linked to other health problems that it may worsen. Arthritis, diabetes, and osteoporosis are just some of the conditions often associated with CF complications. Simply put, its effects can be systemic. But did you know that CF has a major genetic component? Depending on your parents and the genes you’ve inherited, you may be at significantly higher risk of developing the disease.  Let’s cover everything you need to know about your risk factors and what you can do if you’re diagnosed with CF.  What Causes Cystic Fibrosis? In short, heredity. People with CF have issues with something called the CFTR gene, a piece of genetic material that produces the CFTR protein. Now, we all inherit copies of this gene, one from each parent. The...