Diagnosis
People with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) usually have much higher salt levels in their perspiration so doctors can take a sweat sample to a lab to be analyzed. Patients with CF usually have 2-5 times the usual amount of salt. There is a protein in your blood called Trypsinogen that can be measured in newborns. A high level of this protein can show that a newborn has the CF trait. Another blood test can also show a faulty gene (CFTR or Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator) which can indicate the presence of this trait as well. CF is passed down genetically on Chromosome number 7.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms include coughing and wheezing, respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchitis, a greasy stool, slaty tasting skin, and sever weight loss.
Life Expectancy
Life expectancy is rarely more than thirty years old. This is because lungs are repeatedly clogged and infected so they do not last as long as usual.