rely compromised their health. 98% of men with cystic fibrosis cannot bear children. Sperm is produced in the CF male, but is not correctly transported to the semen because the relevant ductwork is clogged. It may be possible to surgically extract perm from men with cystic fibrosis and in this way allow them to have children (Ramsey, B., 1999). Most CF patients are diagnosed in childhood. Some patients with mild or unrecognized symptoms may remain undiagnosed until adolescence or young adulthood. Common symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, sinus infections, nasal polyps (bumps inside the nose), excessive mucus production, recurrent pneumonia, poor growth, frequent foul smelling stools, enlarged fingertips, and salty tasting skin. The diagnosis of CF is usually made when a sweat test is performed and high levels of salt are found. The sweat glands of people with cystic fibrosis release salt at about five times the concentration released by normal sweat glands. This is the basis for the sweat test. It is also the reason why people affected by CF have salty tasting skin. Genetic testing can also be used to confirm the diagnosis of CF (Ramsey, B., 1999). There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Aerosols are used to ease breathing, and postural drainage or chest physiotherapy helps to remove mucus from the lungs. Hospitalization may be required for a thorough clean out and/or for treatment of lung infections. Pancreatic enzymes are taken with meals to help digest food. To maintain weight, frequent and high-calorie meals and snacks are recommended (Rubinstein, 1996). There are many different genetic mutations, which lead to many different manifestations of cystic fibrosis. Not everyone with CF will have all of the complications as outlined previously, and some may have other complications in addition to those listed. Research in the field of cystic fibrosis continues at a rapid pace....
