Author Description

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the most common genetic diseases and it starts in early childhood. People who suffer from it have defects in their lungs, digestive system, and sweat glands. The responsible defective gene has been discovered recently, offering hope that treatments based on our increased knowledge will become available. Even without this, vigorous treatment aimed at controlling chest infections and providing the increased dietary requirements has resulted in greatly improved health, although treatment is lifelong and hard work. This new edition highlights what is known about CF. The genetics chapters have been extensively updated and there are new chapters about psychological aspects and heart-lung transplant. Accounts of treatment and lifestyle by children and adults with CF are also included. The physiology of breathing and digestion is described and there are chapters on symptoms and management with a description of the work of the CF Clinic. The genetic counselling chapter highlights some of the ethical dilemmas of prenatal diagnosis. This book is written for parents and relatives, those with cystic fibrosis, and as an introduction to the condition for students and medical researchers.