Bacteria
A single-celled organism that can cause disease when it enters the body, usually either through the mouth and nose (by breathing, eating or drinking), or the skin. In many cases, an antibiotic can be prescribed to help the body either eradicate or reduce the infection caused by the organism. Bacteria are directly or indirectly involved in the lung disease and damage that ultimately are responsible for increased respiratory symptoms in the vast majority of CF patients.
Bronchoscopy
A procedure used to directly visualize the airways within the lungs and to obtain mucus or tissue samples to be used for diagnosis and/or treatment. The patient is sedated, and a long, thin, flexible fiber optic tube (bronchoscope) is advanced through the vocal cords and into the trachea and bronchi (branches) of the lungs. The physician usually uses a camera and video screen to visualize the lung’s airways and manipulate the scope.
CFTR (Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator)
CFTR is located on chromosome 7 and encodes a chloride channel that sits on the surface of specialized cells throughout the body. Mutations in the CFTR gene lead to CF. Epithelial cell
A specialized type of cell that lines the airways, intestines and other organs. A lining of epithelial cells is called the epithelium. FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in one second)
A measure of lung function that shows the amount of air a patient can forcefully exhale from the lungs in one second. This measure is compared to a predicted normal value that is based on the patient’s age and height. FVC (Forced vital capacity)
The maximum amount of air that can be exhaled from the lungs after a maximum inspiration. This measure is compared to a predicted normal value that is based on the patient’s age and height. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The federal agency responsible for approving medications for use in the United States. Gene
A region of DNA that contains the sequence for a protein that has specific functions within the body. Inflammation
A local response to cell injury that is marked by increased blood flow, redness, heat, pain, swelling, and often loss of function. Inflammation serves as the body’s mechanism to attempt to eliminate infection or injury, or to start the healing of damaged tissues. Informed Consent
The process of telling people about a research study and what will be required if he or she decides to participate. The risks and possible benefits of the study will also be explained. An informed consent form is signed by both the researcher and the participant to confirm that these discussions have taken place and that all questions have been addressed. Institutional Review Board (IRB)
A committee that reviews research studies that involve people. Any clinical study must be approved by an IRB before it can begin. There are several IRB committees that approve human research studies at Johns Hopkins. Ion Channel
A passage in the cell surface that allows salts to enter or exit the cell. 
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