24 Clinical Notes

• Cystic Fibrosis is heredity disorder of exocrine glands. Mutation in chloride regulator gene on chromosome 7 causes production of abnormally thick mucus. Thick mucus obstructs passageways of pancreatic and bile ducts, intestines, bronchial tree. Within respiratory tract, breathing is impeded and mucociliary escalator is impaired, leading to frequent infections. The average lifespan for people with CF who live into adulthood is 37 years.