I received my annual flu shot back in October, and I have to say, I felt pretty good about myself. though doctors constantly tell us to get vaccinated, most Americans don’t bother — a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in November indicated that just 36% of all Americans age 6 months and older will get the flu vaccine. That’s too bad — a simple flu shot can save the average person days of unhappy illness (and lost time at work or school) if they get exposed to the flu this winter. and for the very young, the very old and the immunocompromised, a flu vaccination might make the difference between life and becoming one of the 30,000 some Americans who die from influenza-related causes each year.

There’s just one problem: influenza is unpredictable. Flu viruses are notoriously promiscuous, which isn’t a judgment of their morals, but their genes. Flu viruses mutate constantly, sometimes on their own as they replicate inside an infected cell, and sometimes through recombination — directly swapping genes with other flu viruses. We need a new vaccination every year because the flu strains we might be exposed to over the winter differ from season to season. The flu shot itself is actually a trivalent vaccine, meaning that it protects against the three separate flu strains that experts believe are most likely to be circulating around the Northern Hemisphere this winter. if all goes well, you’re unlikely to be exposed to a flu strain that’s not covered by the vaccine.

Unless, of course, something unexpected occurs. and that may indeed be happening this winter.

Since the middle of August, the CDC has received 12 reports of human infections with a new flu virus — a swine influenza a strain called H3N2. so far the cases come from five states — Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Pennsylvania and West Virginia — and all but one of the affected individuals were below the age of 18. while the virus itself seems to have originated in pigs and initially jumped directly from swine to human beings, half of the cases had no documented contact with pigs, which means there’s at least minimal person-to-person transmission. Because there’s already a common seasonal flu called H3N2, health officials are calling the new strain H3N2v — meaning v for “variant.”

Twelve cases may not seem like much, especially since only three required hospitalization and no one so far has died. but in an article for Scientific American earlier this month, ace flu reporter Helen Branswell explained why the possible emergence of a new flu strain worries health officials — even as they fear overly alarming the public:

The cases leave public health authorities in the U.S. and elsewhere wondering if a new swine-origin flu virus is circulating at low levels among humans — and what needs to be done if that is indeed happening. (Read “Flu Factories” in the January 2011 Scientific American (preview) to learn why health authorities fear the next pandemic virus may emerge as a result of industrial farming  practices.)

Given the mercurial nature of flu viruses — which can easily mutate into lethal pathogens — ignoring the new virus is not an option, even though to date there have been no deaths and most of the infections have produced only mild symptoms. but the widespread perception that the 2009 swine flu pandemic was much ado about nothing means health authorities risk further damage to their already battered credibility if they sound an alarm and this virus turns out to be a dud. and they know it.

In fact, what unfolds with H3N2v could be similar to what happened in 1977, when H1N1 flu viruses suddenly re-emerged — possibly through a lab accident — after a 20-year absence. The new H1N1 infected mostly younger people who had never been exposed to a similar flu strain before, while older people proved more resistant.

Swine Flu which is also known as H1N1 type a influenza, is a human disease. People get the disease from other people, not from pigs.

The disease was named as Swine Flu because the virus which causes the disease transmits through pigs to the humans. the virus is a mix of genes from swine, bird, and human flu viruses. Most people know it as the H1N1 swine flu virus.

The H1N1 swine flu viruses that usually spread among pigs aren’t the same as human flu viruses. Usually Swine Flu doesn’t infect people but in recent past few cases have occurred in which people who were having direct contact with pigs got affected.

It’s caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person, among those who haven’t had any contact with pigs.

Many people have at least partial immunity to seasonal H1N1 viruses because they’ve been infected with or vaccinated against this. These viruses “drift” genetically that is why the flu vaccine has to be repeated time to time.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The initial Swine Flu Symptoms are fever, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. some patients also complained about the symptoms of running nose, diarrhea and vomiting.

People traveling to other countries should take extra precautions and should immediately rush to physician if they suffer from any Swine Flu Symptoms. But these symptoms alone would not suggest that a person is infected by Swine Flu, as it can be confirmed only after testing a respiratory specimen, that’s taken from the suspected case within the first four to five days. So it is important to seek medical help if one feels that he/she has Swine Flu Symptoms.

Swine Flu Treatment –

The person with Swine Flu Symptoms should seek immediate medical help from doctor for Swine Flu Treatment. Isolate the patient from others to protect others as a part of Swine Flu Treatment to protect others. One should drink plenty of fluids and Rest frequently. use medicines other than aspirin, to treat symptoms of patients above 4.

Swine Flu Treatment includes medicines like Tamiflu (orally for twice a day for 5 days) or Relenza (an inhaled medication taken twice a day for 5 days) on the Doctor’s prescription.

Read More:Swine Flu: Symptoms and TreatmentInfluenza Treatment ? Causes, Symptoms and Potential TreatmentThe Symptoms of Swine Flu In People

Many illnesses that are present in the world today can be unavoidable for some, because of their inherited qualities. Though there are various types, one of the most common and deadly is Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis, or CF, causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and sometimes other organs within the body. the buildup is created because of a defective inherited gene, and the mucus collects in the lung passages and in an organ that helps to break down food, the pancreas.

Because the disease is brought on by heredity, unfortunately, many do not have a chance in avoiding it and it is inborn. There are many Americans that carry the gene that is responsible for CF but do not realize it because they do not experience symptoms, themselves.

Individuals that suffer from the disease must inherit two defective Cystic Fibrosis genes, one from each parent. it has been estimated that one in every twenty-nine Americans of Northern or Central European descent have this specific gene that could potentially cause the disorder in future children.

Most individuals that suffer from CF are diagnosed by the age of two, because the symptoms are present in infancy; however, there are some that may not be diagnosed until the age of eighteen because their condition is milder. it can sometimes be difficult to determine the disease in infants, especially because there are so many different degrees of seriousness and more than a thousand various mutations of the gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis.

Some tell-tale signs may be delayed growth, a lack of bowel movement in the first day or two after birth, salty-tasting skin, and an inability to gain weight during childhood. Other symptoms that relate specifically to the disease are belly pain, nausea, bloating, coughing or increased sinus blockage, fatigue, and recurring episodes of the sickness pneumonia.

Probably the best and most effective way to determine whether or not an infant or child suffers from the disease is to have a blood test performed. if any of these symptoms are manifested at any time within the first few years of birth, it is best to take the child into a physician for a health evaluation or testing.

Other tests that may be used to diagnose the condition are a fecal fat test, secretin stimulation test, or a CT scan. Having a child that suffers from the aforementioned symptoms can be hard for adults, as well, especially when they are unsure about what is wrong.

Unfortunately, there really is no way to prevent Cystic Fibrosis, seeing that it is inherited from the parents and nothing can really be done about their genetic makeup. Those that are worried that they may be carriers of the gene or have a family history of CF may want to be screened or tested.

There is usually around a sixty to ninety percent success rate, depending on the type of screening method that is used. Children that do suffer from CF should be able to live a pretty normal childhood, including going to school and participating in sports and physical activity.

The sooner the disease is diagnosed, the sooner your physician will be able to create a treatment plan. This usually means a higher life expectancy and an easier time overall for your child.

It is usually vital to maintain a good schedule of monitoring with your doctor to make sure that the individual affected is experiencing somewhat proper functioning of the lungs and digestive tract. There are a number of Cystic Fibrosis focused clinics where you can possibly receive treatment; those that are interested in these types of medical establishments should contact their doctor or insurance company.

As far as medications go, many prescribe antibiotics to prevent and treat infections, medications that are inhaled and open airways, vaccines, oxygen therapy, and sometimes a lung transplant, if necessary and available. Parents can possibly help reduce the amount of symptoms that their child experiences by making small lifestyle changes.

These include avoiding dust, mildew, smoke, and cleaning fumes within the home, performing chest percussions/postural drainage, making sure the child gets enough exercise, and drinking enough fluids. unfortunately, this disease can weaken the lungs and body so much that there is usually not a very long life expectancy for those that suffer with from the disease.

Children may be able to live normal lives, but as they age and enter into adulthood conditions usually worsen. As they get older, the lungs have to work harder to provide the body with necessary oxygen, and this can weaken and wear out this organ and the airways.

Often, individuals become disabled and may eventually die due to lung complications. the life expectancy for someone suffering from Cystic Fibrosis is around thirty-five years, but this number can be larger or smaller depending upon the severity and the lung health.

Individuals who suffer or parents who have children with CF can find help and assistance through support groups. Though this disease does not provide a positive prognosis, patients can still live full lives.

Tommy Greene has worked in surgical equipment sales for the past 15 years. He has great advice and information on Diathermy units.

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Ying edited the following:

I have had hepatitis. how do I find out what type (A,B,C,D) I had? is there a hepatitis registry?

BeckyI don’t think hepatitis goes away. if you had it, you still have it. you should call your doctor, who would have that on record.

lynn76you can find out from the doctor that diagnosed you with the hepatitis. Hepatitis A is the only one that goes away. Also there is a blood test a doctor can do that shows which type your body made antibodies against.

emerald_lotus2006There are usually ways to determine. for example, you cannot have Hep D without Hep B, Hep. D’s genome lacks essential genes.

Hepatitis A or infectious jaundice is an enterovirus transmitted by the orofecal route, transmitted to humans through methods such as contaminated food. it causes an acute form of hepatitis and does not have a chronic stage. The patient’s immune system makes antibodies against hepatitis A that confer immunity against future infection. People with hepatitis A are advised to rest, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A for life. it can be spread through personal contact, consumption of raw sea food or drinking contaminated water. Hepatitis A is primarily spread in third world countries, and can also be more often found in southern Europe than in northern and western Europe. Hepatitis A is transmitted fecal-orally, generally by ingesting contaminated water or food. Strict personal hygiene and the avoidance of raw and unpeeled foods can help prevent an infection. Infected persons already begin excreting the hepatitis A virus with their stool two weeks after the appearance of the first symptoms. The time between the infection and the start of the illness can run from 15 to 45 days, and approximately 15% of sufferers may experience relapsing symptoms from six months to a year following initial diagnosis.

Hepatitis B can cause both acute and chronic hepatitis. Chronic hepatitis develops in the 15% of patients who are unable to eliminate the virus after an initial infection. Identified methods of transmission include blood (blood transfusion, now rare), tattoos (both amateur and professionally done), horizontally (sexually or through contact with blood or bodily fluids), or vertically (from mother to her unborn child). However, in about half of cases the source of infection cannot be determined. Blood contact can occur by sharing syringes in intravenous drug use, shaving accessories such as razor blades, or touching wounds on infected persons. Needle-exchange programmes have been created in many countries as a form of prevention. in the United States, 95% of patients clear their infection and develop antibodies against hepatitis B virus. 5% of patients do not clear the infection and develop chronic infection; only these people are at risk of long term complications of hepatitis B.

Patients with chronic hepatitis B have antibodies against hepatitis B, but these antibodies are not enough to clear the infection that establishes itself in the DNA of the affected liver cells. The continued production of virus combined with antibodies is a likely cause of immune complex disease seen in these patients. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis B for life. Hepatitis B infections result in 500,000 to 1,200,000 deaths per year worldwide due to the complications of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis B is endemic in a number of (mainly South-East Asian) countries, making cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma big killers. There are three, FDA-approved treatment options available for persons with a chronic hepatitis B infection: alpha-interferon, adefovir and lamivudine. in about 45% of persons on treatment achieve a sustained response.

Hepatitis C (originally “non-A non-B hepatitis”) can be transmitted through contact with blood (including through sexual contact). Hepatitis C may lead to a chronic form of hepatitis, culminating in cirrhosis. it can remain asymptomatic for 10-20 years. no vaccine is available for hepatitis C. Patients with hepatitis C are prone to severe hepatitis if they contract either hepatitis A or B, so all hepatitis C patients should be immunized against hepatitis A and hepatitis B if they are not already immune. However, hepatitis C itself is a very lethal virus and can cause cirrhosis of the liver. The virus, if detected early on can be treated by a combination of interferon and the antiviral drug ribavirin. The genotype of the virus determines the rate of response to this treatment regimen.

Hepatitis E produces symptoms similar to hepatitis A, although it can take a fulminant course in some patients, particularly pregnant women; it is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatitis

Stephaniewell, it would not be hepatitis a because that is a disease that runs it’s course and then your done (unless you get food poisoning again).hepatitis b-you can be chronic or a carrierhepatitis c- is usually just chronic. about 15% of those that have hepatitis c built up antibodies and is just a carrier (non active)-however, i don’t particulary believe in “just carrying” the hepatitis c as it runs its see-saw course as a natural conciquence.hepatitis d you will not have unless you are infected with hepatitis b.hepatitis e and d are rare in the united states.

people don’t understand a lot about hepatitis. you are usually only yellow (bilirium and toxic waste build up) when the disease is acute (fast acting). hepatitis c can take years and even decades before you notice really serious side effects. hcv was thought of as a symptomatic, however, the more research being done indicates that many have bi-directional diseases associated with having hcv and liver damage does not have to be more pronounced to have bi-directional diseases.doctors only run standard blood labs and if your alt and ast levels appear normal (many with active hcv have this occurance) means you are not sick.the only way to find out about hepatitis b or c is to be tested for antibodies, even if you have no known risk factors (especially for hepatitis c).

make an appointment with your gastro and go from there.the sooner the better. chances are you will need antiviral chemotherapy if you have b or c.

if you are a veteran, your risk for c is much much higher due to mass innoculations, however, you can acquire hcv just seeing dentists before 1994. ( i say 1995 just to be sure). there are many other ways of contracting hcv, but it only happens when there is blood to blood transmission. hcv is not a “true std”. hcv corpuscles are not the active forms of hcv (this is found in semen and vaginal fluid.)

you could also have a form of hepatitis not relative to viral infections, this type is caused by hereditary factors. NASH and auto-immune hepatitis as well as a few others. the only way to tell is to ask your doctor. he will know how to run the correct testing.good luck.

Douglas RHow do you know you HAVE hepatitis.if you go to the Dr and have a hepatitis screen it will tell what kind of hepatitis YOU have.you don’t get over hepatitis like it is a cold it goes into remission.has the people around you been tested they need to be.it is easier to spread than aids so if you are sure you have the sickness you and the people you have had contact with needs to be checked.just a blood test.And why do you want a registry it is not a crime or something to tell the world about.

Share your answer? Leave your own answer in the comments! explains the prevention, causes, symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatment of hepatitis C.File R/d | Recover Deleted Files or Permanently Delete ThemFile Recovery and Delete – File R/d allows the user to browse and search drives for deleted files and preview the results for free using the highest rated technology in the background. Recover and permanent deletion of the found data is available at cost.File R/d | Recover Deleted Files or Permanently Delete Them

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• is there another way to cure or put into remission the hepatitis c virus other than interferon treatments?
• is there another way to cure or put into remission the hepatitis c virus other than interferon treatments?
• Hepatitis c Info: Spontaneously cleared HCV infection, is there a possibility of resurgence/transmission still?
• Hepatitis c Info: Spontaneously cleared HCV infection, is there a possibility of resurgence/transmission still?

Psychological most appropriate well known as mental illness and romantic factors referred to in an organization. it refers to the certain inlet of a people and the capability to war highlight conditions. it is moreover the probability that the mental and earthy state of its change of life in every situation. Mental illness is a major complaint and should be as critical as there is a earthy illness.

This disorder is moreover well known as Tourette’s syndrome. However, severe and incurable cases can surpass a year and requires the correct medication, receiving caring of parents and desired ones. Proper administration and caring is indispensable for patients who bear neurological disorder. A pediatrician or a youngster psychiatrist can simply diagnose this disorder.

Symptoms: the symptoms of Tourette set of symptoms often start with elementary tics and soft, but still stepping up with time. Mental illness problems are often the outcome of genes hereditary from a era followed. it is moreover the capability to change your mental and earthy state of life in any situation.

Early diagnosis and conference with the psychiatrist can help defeat these neurological disorders. People are demure to confer their problems with doctors and thus finish up traffic with their disorders.

People upset with other mental illness problems and often check the revisit of a doctor. Problems such as flashing or facial contortions are not years in incurable cases. Tics are sudden, repeated movements or vocalizations that always beheld initial in childhood. Simple phonic stumbling block is a condition in that the studious becomes incomprehensible sounds, similar to coughing or twist grip clearing, barking or whistling etc. Chronic tics durability more than a year and only 1 percent of young kids experience this problem.

Symptoms include: –

Blinking Strabismus Grimacing Head jerking Sniffing Murmur Touching the ground Tighten the abdomen the recording of the foot Pinching Kissing groans the tongue licking nag Hawking Whistling Spitting

Symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the magnitude and complexity. Involuntary movement, obsession, depression are a few of the principal symptoms of this disorder. it is really unfavorable that really few people know about mental disorders. There are therapies and medications to lower symptoms of tics.

Tourettes and other Tic Disorders:

What is Tourette’s disorder?Other stumbling block disorders, that are really familiar amid children, are: –

Transient stumbling block disorder Chronic tics Simple and intricate phonic tics the tics coprolalia

Transient stumbling block disorder is most familiar amid all and that lasts no longer than 12 months. the insufficient of recognition most often leads to major problems, whilst early showing and correct taking medicine has helped number of patients to lead normal lives.26% of the complete population. Tourettes face problems in college appearance and thus need special care. Statistics exhibit that out of 4 people over 18 years in the US.

There are several variety of mental disorders such as anxiety disorder, eating disorder, mood disorder, mannerism disorders, Tourette’s etc. it relates to the certain inlet of a human being and capability to war highlight conditions.

Mental Health – Facts about Tourette’s and other stumbling block disorders Mental Health the mental contentment is primarily well known as mental illness and connected to the romantic reason of a body. Tic coprolalia is a disorder in that the studious repetitively uses indecent or aggressive.

Mental Disorder Neurological and mental illness disorders affect millions of people worldwide every year. Good mental illness will always help you blossom in life. Mental illness is a major complaint and should be since the same significance as it is since to any earthy illness. However, minute data on the psychological, social, informative and behavioral aspects of the youngster is composed and evaluated to diagnose the expect problem.

In this box there are several stumbling block disorders involving assorted body parts. it is a neurological disorder characterized by outspoken and engine tics. only 10% of people experience this disorder. However, other factors accountable for mental illness might be connected to neurological disorders, severe losses at an early theatre of life, or going by a few trauma.

Diagnostic Manual-intellectual Disability (dm-id): A Clinical Guide For iagnosis of Mental Disorders in Persons With Intellectual Disability  by Robert Fletcher Dsw, Earl Loschen Md, Chrissoula Stavrakaki Md Phd And Michael first Md 14 new from $69.92 Treatment Plans And Interventions For Depression And Anxiety isorders  by Robert L. Leahy And Stephen J. Holland 22 new from $55.78 Comments

Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in nasal secretion, a barking-like cough, decrease appetite, and listless behavior.

Swine flu produces most of the same symptoms in pigs as human flu produces in people.

The disease originally was nickname swine flu because the virus that causes the disease originally jumped to humans from the live pigs in which it evolved. The virus is a “reassortant” — a mix of genes from swine, bird, and human flu viruses.

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Scientists are still in conflict about what the virus should be called, but most people know it as the H1N1 swine flu virus.most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype.

However, they can from time to time come from the other types, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2.

Swine Influenza also known as H1N1 flu, Swine flu, Pig and Hog flu is a respiratory disease caused by virus commonly found in pigs throughout the world. most usually it is due to H1N1 influenza subtype but sometimes H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2 can also be responsible.

The major difference is that the current virus has strains of bird and pig viruses in it, and humans have very low or negligible immunity to it. That is what has made it more likely to become a pandemic virus (that can cause a global outbreak) as it could without problems spread from human to human.

The first symptoms of swine flu are fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, body ache and fatigue. some patients have also complained about running nose, diarrhea and vomiting.

Persons who have travelled abroad recently should be extra cautious and seek medical help right away if they have these symptoms.

According to the CDC, like seasonal flu, symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

1.    fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent 2.    cough 3.    runny nose or stuffy nose 4.    sore throat 5.    body aches

Treatment for the Swine Flu

Treating the swine flu can be done in a couple of dissimilar ways: through antiviral drugs and through what is known as supportive care.

Antiviral Drugs—these are extremely important for high risk individuals who have acquired the H1N1 influenza or those who cannot rid their bodies of the illness and it appears to only be getting worse.

Home Remedies for Swine Flu

1.    Wash your Hands: It is believed that pig flu virus can get into the inside of your body through the mouth and nose. Regular washing of your hands, especially before a meal, with soap and luke warm water can prevent this. Alternately, you can also wear hand gloves before touching anything directly so as not to get infected.

2.    Cover your Nose and Mouth: If someone is sneezing or coughing near you, you may want to cover your nose and mouth with the inside of your palms or with your hanky. Alternately, you can wear face mask before going outside. these can prevent the virus to get entry into your system.

3.    Drink Lemon Balm Tea: Experts believe that the anti-viral possessions of lemon balm can treat swine flu. you can drink lemon balm tea twice every day.

4.    Chew Fresh Garlic Cloves: Garlic is careful an effective antiviral. Fresh garlic cloves (2-3) can be chewed once everyday.

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Prostrate cancer could be curbed by hot peppers.

A study shows that hot peppers — besides causing the mouth to burn, eyes to water and sweat to pour out — also prompt cancer cells to kill themselves.

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and at UCLA found the hot ingredient in peppers, capsaicin, successfully treated mice with growing prostate cancer.

Eighty percent of the prostate cells began apoptosis, or the process where older cells die and are replaced by younger cells. Cancer cells mutate or disarm apoptosis genes to avoid being killed.

Added to human prostate cancer cells in culture, capsaicin stopped the cancer from proliferating.

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. the cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer may cause pain, difficulty in urinating, problems during sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction. other symptoms can potentially develop during later stages of the disease.

Some 221,000 deaths worldwide, including 30,000 in the United States, are blamed on prostrate cancer.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease.  it affects mainly the lungs and pancreas but other parts of the body such as the liver, nose, sinuses, sweat gland and reproductive organs may also be affected.  Mucus, as well as other watery juices and secretions are usually made by cells in these parts of the body.  however, these cells do not work correctly in those who have cystic fibrosis and they create mucus and secretions that are thicker than in a healthy person.

CausesIf someone has cystic fibrosis it means that a certain pair of genes do not work correctly.  The genes are known as on chromosome 7 and they help control how cells handle sodium and chloride ions, also known as salt.  there are lots of different abnormalities of the cystic fibrosis gene, however they all basically prevent the cell from being bale to handle sodium and chloride correctly.

As a result of this, there is a fault in how sodium and chloride travel in and out of the cells of affected organs.  too much sodium travels into the cells of affected organs basically.  Water follows the sodium and this causes there to be too little water outside of the cells.  The mucus or watery secretions outside of the cells becomes too thick due to the lack of water.

Cystic fibrosis is known as an autosomal recessive disorder which means that in order to develop it, a baby will need to inherit two cystic fibrosis genes.  One will be from the mother and one from the father.  Inheriting only one cystic fibrosis gene makes the child a carrier.  Carriers do not have cystic fibrosis because they have one normal gene which is able to control how salt transports in their cells.  however, they can pass the  cystic fibrosis gene onto their children.

If two people that carry the cystic fibrosis gene have a child there is a 1in 4 chance that their child will also develop cystic fibrosis.  there is a 2 in 4 chance that the child wont have cystic fibrosis but he or she will be a carrier (if he or she inherits the cystic fibrosis gene from one parent and a normal gene from the other parent).  there is a 1 in 4 chance that the baby will not have cystic fibrosis and also not be a carrier (by inheriting the normal gene from both of its parents). 

SymptomsNormally symptoms develop within the first year of being born but in some cases may not appear until later on in childhood.  how severe the symptoms are can vary.

LungsThe cells which line the lungs’ airways create mucus which is thicker than usual and can not be cleared easily from the lungs.  Bacteria can trapped in the small airways and lead to infection and inflammation.  Symptoms include:

A relentless cough that normally produced a lot of mucus.Wheezing.being short of breath and having trouble breathing.Having recurring chest infections which can be serious, e.g. pneumonia.  Repeated infections and inflammation may damage the lungs and cause poor lung function.

GutNormally the pancreas makes digestive juices that contain chemicals (enzymes) which flow from the pancreatic duct into the duodenum and digest food. 

In people who have cystic fibrosis however, the usual flow of digestive juices is blocked by thickened secretions and this can cause food to not be digested or absorbed correctly.  This can cause the following:

Malnutrition which can lead to poor growth and weight gain.Bloated abdomen.Constipation (trouble passing faeces).

Around 1 in 10 children with cystic fibrosis are diagnosed shortly after they are born.  a condition called meconium ileus can cause the baby’s gut to be blocked with meconium.  This is a thick, dark and sticky substance that is created by the baby’s gut before he or she is born.  Emergency surgery might be needed in order to remove the blockage,

Other organs of the body can be affected causing various other problems.  The pancreas and airways can become severely affected.  Other problems that can occur include:

Repeated infections of the sinuses.Polyps in the nose.being infertile.Liver damage can lead to cirrhosis in around 1 in 12 cases.Diabetes.Rectal prolapsePancreatitis.Poor absorption of certain foods can cause osteoporosis (thinning of bones).

TreatmentFor people with cystic fibrosis, there are many aspects to their treatment.  it involves contribution, advice and expertise of many professionals like child health doctors, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, psychologist and counsellors.  Regular checks and tests are carried out to monitor the condition and keep a check on how the child is growing, developing and its general well-being.

Treatments for Lung ProblemsRegular chest physiotherapy is important as it helps to clear the airways of the mucus.  a physiotherapist will be able to show parents how they can do this for their children.  it should be carried out twice a day may need to be done more during chest infections.

Many children who have cystic fibrosis take regular long-term antibiotics.  When a chest infection develops the dosage is increased and/or other antibiotics are prescribed. 

Inhalers can be used to open up the airways.  This is a similar treatment to that used for treating asthma.In some cases a drug called Dornase alfa can be given by nebuliser.  This drug helps to break down the mucus and make it thinner.  This makes it a lot easier to cough up and clear from the airways.  it can also reduce the number of lung infections and improve the lung function. 

Those who have advanced lung disease can benefit from oxygen.

Treatments for Pancreatic ProblemsIn people with cystic fibrosis the enzymes which are needed to digest food are greatly reduced.  Therefore children with this disease need a diet that is high in fat and carbohydrates.  a dietician will be able to give advice.  High energy food and drink supplements can also be used.  as many vitamins in food are not absorbed properly, vitamins are also needed.

Enzyme supplements are needed to help digest food in most cases.  these enzymes replace those that usually come from the pancreas and need to be taken every time food is eaten.