Word parts
What it means
A genetic disorder passed on when a child inherits a faulty copy of the CFTR gene from each parent (autosomal recessive). The faulty gene upsets salt and water movement in cells, so mucus and other secretions become thick. In the lungs this traps germs and causes repeated infections and breathing problems; in the pancreasPAN-kree-usA long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.pan- allcreas fleshFull entry it blocks the enzymes needed to digest food, causing poor growth and greasy stools. It is found by newborn screening and confirmed with a sweat chloride test.
For the nurse
Teach daily airway clearance (chest physiotherapy or devices), pancreatic enzymes with every meal and snack, a high-calorie, high-protein diet with extra salt and fat-soluble vitamins as ordered, and infection prevention. People with CF should keep apart from each other to avoid passing lung germs.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | CF (ambiguous on its own) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | fibrosis quística |
| Also written | cystic-fibrosis |
Related terms
pneumonia
An infection of one or both lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus.
pancreas
A long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.
cilia
Tiny hair-like structures on the surface of some cells that move in waves.
fibrosis
The thickening and scarring of tissue, which replaces normal tissue with tough fibers.