Photograph taken from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation HomePage. Introduction Lucia and David want to have a child. Lucia is concerned, however, because she has a family history of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes a constant thick mucous in the respiratory system.
This condition sets up severe respiratory infections. Cystic fibrosis also causes trouble in digesting some foods because the pancreas fails to produce the proper enzymes. Lucia worries about passing the disease to her child, even though she herself does not have it. Lucia and David decide to consult a genetic counselor to understand the risk of having a child with cystic fibrosis. He has cystic fibrosis, although he didn't know this until he as 8 years old.