CF is gentically transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. About 80% of the gene mutations that cause CF have been identified. The cystic fibrosis gene is on chromosome #7. It encodes a membrane-associated protein called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). The function of the CTFR is still unknown, however, it appears to be closely involved with chloride transport across the epithelial membranes. There are several different mutations of this gene that …show more content…
Respiratory therapists play a big role in a person with Cystic Fibrosis. The Therapist will perform chest physical therapy on the person. This is done by pounding on their chest and back over and over again either with their hands or a cupped device. This chest physical therapy helps to loosen up the mucus in the lungs and gets the person to cough it up so that it is not trapped in the airways causing infections (Cystic Fibrosis - Clinical Manifestations In Cf., n.d.). In order for chest physical therapy (CPT) to be effective needs to be done at least three to four times per day. In addition to this frequency the person needs to be either sitting or lying on their stomach, with their head down while the chest percussions are being done. This position allows for gravity to help drain all the trapped mucous in the lungs. This position is often called the postural drainage position (PD) (How Is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?,