Cystic Fibrosis: Cystic Fibrosis disease can become fatal, know how to protect yourself

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that damages the lungs and digestive system as well as other organs of the body. Cystic fibrosis damages the tissues that make mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. These fluids are normally thin and smooth. In people who have cystic fibrosis, this fluid becomes sticky and thick due to abnormal genes. Instead of working as a lubricant, these fluids block the drains of the body parts. They get accumulated especially in the lungs and pancreas. People suffering from cystic fibrosis need extra care and are not able to do their daily activities like normal people like going to school and office. However, with proper treatment, the patient’s life can improve and he/she can live longer.
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Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

Mayo Clinic (Reference) According to – the symptoms of cystic fibrosis depend on its severity-

Respiratory tract symptoms

• frequent cough with mucus
• whistling sound while breathing
• difficulty breathing
• not being able to exercise
• frequent lung infections
• Nasal swelling and nasal congestion

Digestive tract symptoms
Mucus gets stuck in the drains that carry digestive enzymes to the pancreas. In such a situation, the intestine is not able to take nutrition from food.

• smelly and greasy stools
• no weight gain
• lack of physical development
• Intestinal blockage especially in newborn babies
• being severely constipated

due to cystic fibrosis

The problem of cystic fibrosis occurs due to changes in genes. The protein that transports salt in and out of the tissue gets altered due to cystic fibrosis. Because of this, mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive tract becomes thick and sticky. The amount of salt in sweat also increases.

Children who have one copy of each parent’s gene may have this problem. On the other hand, if they have only one copy of the gene then they will not be affected by this disease, but their future generations may get this disease from them.

Risks and Complications of Cystic Fibrosis

• bronchitis
• long lasting infections
• meat growth in nose
• coughing up blood
• pneumothorax
• respiratory failure
• Things get worse over time
• deficiency in nutrition
• diabetes
• blocked bile duct
• intestinal blockage
• distended intestinal obstruction syndrome

Other complications

• low calcium in bones
• Electrolyte abnormalities and water deficiency in the body

Cystic Fibrosis Prevention

• Before becoming a parent, you must get your genetic testing done. This can detect the risk of your future children having cystic fibrosis.
• If you are pregnant, apart from genetic test, the doctor can also conduct some other tests on you.
• Genetic testing is not for everyone, so you need to talk to genetic experts first.

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

• Medicine
• chest physiotherapy
• waste therapy
• pulmonary rehabilitation
• Surgery and other measures

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.