INFORMATION ON CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary and genetic disease that affects the entire body, causing progressive disability and early death. Difficulty in breathing is the most common symptom and results from frequent lung infections, which are treated, though not always cured, by antibiotics and other medications. A multitude of other symptoms, including sinus infections, poor growth, diarrhea and infertility, result from the effects of cystic fibrosis on other parts of the body. It is most prevalent among Caucasians and Ashkenazi Jews; one in 25 people of European descent carry one gene for cystic fibrosis. Individuals with cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed prior to birth by genetic testing or in early childhood by a sweat test. Ultimately, lung transplantation is often necessary as cystic fibrosis worsens.

SYNONYMS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Synonyms and related keywords:
1. Cystic fibrosis.
2. Mucoviscidosis.
3. Cystic disease of the pancreas.
4. Chronic respiratory infection.
5. Pancreatic enzyme insufficiency.
6. Lung infection.
7. Exocrine gland function.
8. Progressive lung disease.

CAUSES OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease, meaning it is caused by a defect in the person's genes. Main cause of cystic fibrosis is that it is inherited and it genes are transmitted from one person to another.

SYMPTOMS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Certain common symptoms of cystic fibrosis are:
1. Thick, viscous mucus secretions in the lungs.
2. Stools, pale or clay colored, foul smelling, or stools that float.
3. Recurrent pneumonia.
4. Chronic cough, possibly with blood streaking.
5. Wheezing, Bronchitis, Chronic sinusitis.
6. Asthma, Nasal polyps.
7. Weight loss, failure to thrive in infants, abdominal swelling.
8. Excessive salt in sweat, dehydration.
9. Failure of newborn to pass stool.
10. Abdominal pain, flatulence, Fatigue.
11. Enlarged fingertips.
12. Changes in color and amount of sputum.

DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

A complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for cystic fibrosis may include the following:

1. Blood testing.
2. Chest x-rays.
3. Pulmonary function tests.
4. Pancreatic function tests.
5. Sweat (chloride) test.

TREATMENT OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS

Cystic fibrosis is often treated at home with antibiotics, as well as through special exercises for draining sputum including physical therapy for the chest, physical exercise, and aerosols. Diet therapy, which emphasizes the replacement of deficient digestive enzymes, is also critically important. There is a range of other possible treatments, according to each person’s condition.
These may include:

1 Daily Oral Or Inhaled Antibiotics To Counter Lung Infection.
2 Inhaled Anti-Asthma Therapy.
3 Corticosteroid Tablets.
4 Dietary Vitamin Supplements, Especially A And D.
5 Inhalation Of A Medication Called Pulmozyme To Make The Sputum Less Sticky.
6 Medicines To Relieve Constipation Or To Improve The Activity Of The Enzyme Supplements.
7 Insulin For Cf-Related Diabetes.
8 Medication For Cf-Associated Liver Disease.
9 Oxygen To Help With Breathing.