Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a debilitating disease that is caused by a defective gene passed from both parents to a child. Many Americans may carry the CFTR gene, although they never exhibit any symptoms. To inherit cystic fibrosis, both parents must have an abnormal gene and then pass them onto their unborn child. Once this occurs, the child will have genetically contracted cystic fibrosis. The most common symptom of cystic fibrosis is the build up of mucus that develops in the lungs and airways creating respiratory complications. This is the leading cause of death for those with the disease. Other areas of the body that are generally affected are the intestines, sexual organs, pancreas and liver.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 1,000 Americans are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis annually. It is also estimated that there are roughly 30,000 people in the United States suffering from the disease. People of Northern European decent and Caucasians are most likely to inherit cystic fibrosis, while those of Asian and African decent are less likely to acquire this condition. There are millions of carriers of the gene and many of them may not be aware of the risk to their unborn children.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_risk.html

Symptoms of this disease may not present the same in all patients. The severity of the condition may vary as well as the age in which symptoms become apparent. Symptoms will also vary , depending on which part of the body is infected.http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm Symptoms in newborn children may include the lack of a bowel movement at birth or the taste of salt to their skin.

Bowel symptoms may include:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

1. Constipation and stomach pain
2. Distended stomach from gas or bloating
3. Loss of appetite
4. Stools that are pale in color, have mucus or smell abnormal
5. Weight loss or nausea

Respiratory symptoms may include:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

1. Fatigue or loss of appetite
2. Nasal congestion, pain or an increase of mucus in the sinuses
3. An increase in coughing, shortness of breath or fever increased associated with pneumonia

To properly diagnose cystic fibrosis, doctors may perform various tests. These tests are used to determine if the patient has cystic fibrosis or the CF gene. In many areas, newborns may be tested prior to exhibiting symptoms as a precaution. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_diagnosis.html

If cystic fibrosis is suspected, a sweat test may then be preformed. This is a process where the skin is stimulated to sweat and then the perspiration is tested for high salt levels, as this will confirm the diagnosis. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_diagnosis.html

Once a patient has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, it may be necessary to have additional tests performed to determine the severity of the disease and properly treat its symptoms. This may include x-rays, blood work, fluid cultures or other tests that measure functions of the body.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/cf/cf_diagnosis.html

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. Patients must adhere to a regiment that includes exercise, specialized diets and medication. Because symptoms affect different areas of the body, there are treatments that focus on specific ailments.

Respiratory Treatments may include:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

1. Antibiotics or other medications to treat infections in the lungs or sinuses
2. Inhalant medications
3. Enzyme replacement therapy
4. Yearly vaccines
5. Oxygen therapies
6. Lung transplant in severe cases

Digestive treatments may include: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

1. Specialized diet including high amounts of proteins and an increased caloric intake
2. Supplements from vitamins
3. Pancreatic enzymes

Environmental considerations such as:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000107.htm

1. Refraining from dust, smoke or dirt filled areas where there are irritants.
2. Performing exercises at home to relieve the build up of mucus
3. increased fluid intake
4. Regular exercise routine

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a doctor before using the information presented here.