Cystic Fibrosis

About 1 out of 201 Caucasian people carries at least one of the fatal defective genes that cause cystic fibrosis, CF, or mucoviscidosis (in Europe) although carriers don't show any signs of the disease. Therefore, 10 million2 people carry the defective gene and aren't aware of it. Consequently, it makes it one of the most common genetic defect in the United States. CF is a autosomal recessive gene. That means that it may, but doesn't always skip generations. …

…Perhaps in the next century, we can say that cystic fibrosis is completely abolished. Maybe the new medications and therapies won't have to be as painful as they are now. Why should these individuals with CF be made to suffer in order to get better. Frank Deford says about chest physiotherapy and the disease, "Two thousands times I had to beat my sick child, make her cry and plead...and in the end for what?"