What type of disease is cystic fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is classified as a genetic disease because it results from mutations in the CFTR gene, which is responsible for encoding a protein that helps control the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. This genetic mutation leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas, resulting in a range of health challenges. The hereditary nature of cystic fibrosis means it is passed down from parents to children according to Mendelian inheritance patterns.

While it is important to understand other types of diseases, they do not apply to cystic fibrosis. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites and are typically transmitted from one individual to another. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, and neurological diseases are characterized by disorders of the nervous system. Cystic fibrosis, being a hereditary condition primarily linked to genetic changes, clearly falls within the realm of genetic diseases.