Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is one of the commonest genetic diseases and starts in early childhood. People who suffer from it have defects in their lungs (CF is the commonest cause of chronic bronchitis in childhood), digestive system and sweat glands. The responsible defective gene has been discovered recently giving 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 second 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 new chapters on symptons 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.
The book is written for patients and relatives, those with CF, and as an introduction to the condition for students and medical and laboratory research workers.