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The Pros And Cons Of Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that happens to people who have a bad gene. This bad gene is found on chromosome number 7. A person’s body will change dramatically how it produces mucus and sweat. When the mucus and germs stay in the lungs it will lead to lung infections. The mucus can also block your pancreas (an organ in your stomach) which will disable you to not digest your food properly. Usually, the mucus in the lungs traps germs which will eventually be cleaned out of the lungs. It will also affect a person’s lungs and digestive system which will lead to constant lung infections. Cystic fibrosis doesn't only affect your breathing, but it also affects your weight, your bones and can cause Type 1 diabetes. Many people who have cystic…show more content…
It is like a “potential medical miracle worker.” Gene therapy will produce a good gene for a person and control the bad gene. There are two main types of gene therapy. The first gene therapy is called “Somatic gene therapy.” Somatic gene therapy will treat the patient by using a good gene and putting it in the person’s cells. Even with the somatic gene therapy a person’s future child will likely not have these genes because they will not get passed on. The second gene therapy is called “Germ-line gene therapy.” Germ-line gene therapy will improve the genes in the egg or sperm cells. This will be passed on to the person’s future child because any changes made to the genes in the egg or sperm cells the future generation will have. However, only very limited research has been done with Germ-line gene therapy. The sweat test is helpful to diagnose cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis can't be cured today, but could be cured in the future. If a person has a high level of chloride in their sweat then the person has cystic fibrosis. However, if a person has a low level of chloride in their sweat then the person doesn't have cystic fibrosis. The sweat test works by placing a light chemical and a sufficient amount of electricity on the skin to restore the sweat glands. After this process is complete the level of chloride in their sweat will be…show more content…
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