Cystic Fibrosis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with sticky mucus.

Understanding

Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease that causes the lungs and digestive system to become clogged with mucus that becomes thick and sticky. Normally, mucus in the lungs and digestive system is thin and slippery mucus which is useful for helping the body to function properly.

Cystic fibrosis disease causes respiratory and digestive problems from a young age. Over time, the lungs will get damaged and stop working.

Cystic fibrosis cannot be cured. Some medications are aimed at reducing symptoms due to lung and digestive system problems. However, the average life expectancy of sufferers is reduced due to this disease. Only half of the sufferers live past the age of 40.

Reason

Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutated gene and is passed down in families. The gene influences the movement of salt and water in and out of the cell. When there are repeated infections, there is a buildup of thick and sticky mucus in several body pipes such as the lungs and digestive system.

If both parents have one mutation in this gene, a child will have a 25% chance of developing cystic fibrosis.

Symptom  

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis are usually only discovered at a young age even though they should have appeared since birth. Common symptoms of cystic fibrosis include:

• diarrhea
• recurrent respiratory infections
• hard to gain weight
• frequent coughs that sound wet
• shortness of breath and occasional wheezing

Cystic fibrosis sufferers can also experience several other conditions such as diabetes, wasting, liver disorders, and osteoporosis. Diabetes can occur due to mucus that clogs the pancreatic duct which then interferes with digestive enzymes reaching the intestine. In addition, mucus can also block the bile ducts, causing liver disorders. Cystic fibrosis results in thinning of the bones and leads to osteoporosis.

Diagnosis

Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis can already be diagnosed from screening tests from birth. Blood was taken from the baby’s heel and examined to see if it indicated cystic fibrosis.

Further tests, such as sweat and genetic tests, are needed to confirm the diagnosis. A sweat test is done to check the amount of salt in sweat. Patients with cystic fibrosis generally have higher salt levels. If you have a family history of cystic fibrosis, get genetic testing to find out if you carry the gene for the disease.

Treatment

Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis cannot be cured. Several treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment includes:

• Antibiotics to prevent and treat respiratory infections
• Medications to make mucus thinner so it can be coughed up easily
• Medications to widen the airways (bronchodilators) and reduce inflammation (steroids)
• Procedures to remove mucus from the lungs such as active cycle breathing techniques, autogenic drainage, modified postural drainage, and airway clearance devices
• Medicines to help the process of absorption of food
• Special diets and supplements to prevent malnutrition

The lung transplant procedure is an option when the lungs are badly damaged.

Prevention

Cystic fibrosis or cystic fibrosis cannot be prevented. This is because the cause of this disorder is a gene error.