What is cystic fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis also known as CF is an inherited disease of your secretory glands, including the glands that make mucus and sweat, this disease is passed through the genes from parents to children. Cystic fibrosis mostly affects the lungs.
What causes cystic fibrosis?
The study has proved that a defect in the genes is the cause of cystic fibrosis (CF). In people who are suffering from cystic fibrosis, the gene makes a protein that doesn’t function properly. And thus this causes thick, sticky mucus and very salty sweat. Cystic fibrosis (CF) most commonly causes:
- Obstructions and infections of the lungs and airways
- Malabsorption in the gastrointestinal system (stomach and intestines)
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis include the following:
- In infants:
- Difficulty passing the first stool (meconium)
- Meconium ileus (intestinal obstruction), sometimes requires surgery
- Trouble maintaining weight
- Poor growth pattern
- Malnutrition
- Bulky, bad-smelling, floating stools, poor digestion of fats
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty with exercise
- Salty skin
- Abnormally shaped finger tips
- Barrel chest
- Nasal problem
- Severe Sinusitis
- Diabetes
- Mildly decreased fertility in females
- No sperm production in males
How Is Cystic Fibrosis Treated?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) has no cure in medicine as there are no solutions for problems regarding genes. Some treatments of Cystic Fibrosis include:
- Preventing and controlling lung infections
- Loosening and removing thick, sticky mucus from the lungs at the same time.
- Preventing blockages in the intestines
- Providing adequate nutrition
- Preventing dehydration (means lack of fluid in the body)
Depending on the severity of Cystic fibrosis, you have to be treated by your doctor who may ask for hospitalization.
Lifestyle Measures
In between medical checkups, you can practice good self-care and follow a healthy lifestyle.
An important part of treating and coping with Cystic fibrosis, a healthy lifestyle is and a healthy diet is essential. A healthy diet recommended for Cystic fibrosis includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.