YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH: CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder which occurs in approximately 1 in every 2500 births. Children with the disease have excessive amounts of salt in their sweat, and produce thick mucus which blocks the pancreas and the lungs. This leads to many long-term problems, including repeated chest infections, poor growth (failure to thrive), and occasionally diabetes. A specific test called a sweat test is diagnostic of cystic fibrosis. Treatment is always in a specialist unit, and is aimed towards preventing deterioration in the child’s condition. Although many children are now surviving to adulthood, their lifespans are considerably shortened. Parents who have a child with cystic fibrosis have a one in four chance of having another affected child. Genetic counselling is advisable. Antenatal diagnosis is now available via chorionic villus biopsy.

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