Children's Health

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder. Specifically, cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease. This means that to get the disease, you must inherit the changed (mutated) gene from both parents. Keep in mind:

• If a person inherits the changed gene from only one parent, he or she will not develop cystic fibrosis but will be a carrier of the disease. Carriers may pass the cystic fibrosis gene defect on to their children.
• If you are planning a pregnancy and you are white, talk to your doctor about having a genetic test to find out your chances of having a child with cystic fibrosis. The disease is much more common in white people than in people of other races.