We Know: All About Cystic FibrosisWhat Is Cystic Fibrosis?Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease of the mucus and sweat glands. It affects mostly the lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, sinuses, and sex organs. Normally, mucus is watery. It keeps the linings of certain organs moist and prevents them from drying out or getting infected. But in CF, an abnormal gene causes mucus to become thick and sticky. The mucus builds up in the lungs and blocks the airways, creating an environment that makes it easy for bacteria to grow. This leads to repeated serious lung infections that can damage the lungs. The mucus can also block tubes, or ducts, in the pancreas so that the digestive enzymes it produces cannot reach the intestines where they are needed to break down food. What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?One of CF's symptoms is extremely salty sweat. When one perspires, the body loses large amounts of salt. When this is extreme, it can upset the balance of minerals in the blood, which can cause a heat emergency. Other symptoms of CF are frequent coughing with phlegm, frequent bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia, salty-tasting skin, dehydration, poor growth, and infertility, mostly in men. Who is at Risk?About 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis (CF). It affects both males and females and people from all racial and ethnic groups, but is most common among caucasians whose ancestors came from northern Europe. CF is one of the most common inherited diseases among caucasians. About 1 in every 3,000 babies born in the United States has CF. Prenatal genetic testing can help you find out if your baby is likely to have CF. How is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?There is, unfortunately, no cure for Cystic Fibrosis at this time. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for lung problems in CF. They treat airway infections. Other treatments include chest physical therapy, exercise, mucus-thinning drugs, and other medications to reduce airway inflammation and help open airways up. Lung transplantation is an option for some people with CF. The digestive problems in people with CF can be managed with nutritional therapy, enemas, mucus-thinning drugs, and medications to reduce stomach acid. Talk to your doctor if you have a CF in your family history. |
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