Cystic Fibrosis

Genetic researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in the development of a gene therapy for cystic fibrosis. The mutation that causes cystic fibrosis, (CF) discovered in 1989, is a defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) gene.

The idea behind a CF gene therapy is simple enough; use modified viruses to deliver a corrected version of the CFTR gene into affected tissues. But this hoped for cure has been stymied by the natural ability of the lung to limit the introduction of foreign genes into its cells.

Cystic fibrosis affects over 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Many people are carriers and may not know it. So it is no surprise that there are some celebrities and famous people with cystic fibrosis.

Sadly, many, people with CF don't survive long enough to make it to stardom, so we may never know all the talent and intelligence that could have been. Here are some who did make it.

Lisa Bentley Canadian Ironman triathlete, who has a mild case of CF, has won eleven Ironman competitions.

Fraser Brown (2006-) Son of the UK Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Christopher Davies (1978-) Former Southern Redbacks cricketer

To be healthy active adults we need to have a healthy diet. If you are sick or have a serious disease a healthy diet is even more important. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, limiting your fat and sugar intake and reducing the salt from your diet will make anyone healthier, especially those who have cystic fibrosis.

There are some foods a cystic fibrosis patient should stay away from completely or eat in small quantities. Foods that increase mucus production or cause an allergic reaction should be removed from your diet. If you are lactose intolerant and a cystic fibrosis patient, it is essential you stay away from all dairy products.

Dairy Products Forbidden

Especially stay away from milk, cheese, and ice cream. Other foods that could cause allergic reactions and make cystic fibrosis symptoms worse are peanuts, oranges, sugar, bananas, and saturated fats.

You should also limit or avoid excessive meat, wheat, barley and oat products and leave the saltshaker off the table.

Cystic Fibrosis affects more than 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. It affects children by interrupting the work of the epithelial cells. These are cells that make up the sweat glands. They also line passageways inside the liver, pancreas, lungs, reproductive and digestive systems.

A child inherits the Cystic Fibrosis gene from a parent in the form of a defective protein called Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator. If this protein is not effective, the epithelial cells are not able to regulate the way chloride passes by cell membranes.

Air Passageways Balance

Chloride is found in ordinary table salt. When this happens it disrupts the balance between salt and water that is needed to maintain the lining in the lungs, the pancreas and other passageways in the body that connect to other parts of the body. These passageways are made of a normal coating of fluid and mucus.

Infants born and diagnosed early with cystic fibrosis are now growing up, going through puberty, and eventually, most are becoming mature adults with families of their own. The teen years are a challenge both to the parents and the teens. Teens are beginning to assert their independence, trying to be grown up, and rebellion is a stage most teens will go through.

Teenagers feel awkward and uncertain and often lose confidence in their abilities and skills. They may feel frustrated at the drugs they need to take or the time spent having physiotherapy. They may want to pretend they are normal when they are out with their friends.

They may not eat healthy, take their digestive enzymes, and teenagers often start smoking at this age. Rebellion may be a perfectly normal part of going through puberty but teenagers with rebellious habits could lead to their death.

Start Early as Possible