Cystic Fibrosis

This is a life-threatening disorder that causes extreme damage to lungs, the digestive system, as well as other body organs. This illness, caused by defective genes, affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus, and also the digestive juices. In healthy individuals, these fluids are thin and slippery hence efficiently acting as lubricants. However, with cystic fibrosis, these fluids become thick and sticky. This makes the secretions to clog up ducts, tubes and passageways especially in the pancreas and the lungs.

Unlike in the past, cystic fibrosis patients stand a better chance at managing this illness and leading normal lives. They will require daily care, but they are able to attend to their normal duties; work and school. With improved screening and treatment options, cystic fibrosis patients are now able to live up to their mid to late thirty while others living to their 40s and 50s.The risk factors of cystic fibrosis is family history and race. Although everyone is susceptible to cystic fibrosis, white people from Northern Europe are at higher risk of acquiring it.

What are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?
The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary depending on the stage of the illness. If young, some patients do not necessarily exhibit symptoms until adulthood or adolescents. However, cystic fibrosis patients have a high salt level in their sweat. Apart from this, most symptoms are confined in the respiratory and digestive system. Adults may also experience infertility, inflamed pancreas and recurring pneumonia.

What are the Respiratory Signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?

1. Persistent cough which produces a thick mucus

2. Breathlessness

3. Wheezing

4. Inflamed nasal passages

5. Exercise intolerance

6. Repeated lung infection

Digestive signs and Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

The thick mucus produced can block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestines. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients from the food that you eat. This leads to;

1. Greasy and foul smelling stool

2. Severe constipation

3. Poor weight gain

4. Intestinal blockage

Strained defecation can cause rectal prolapse.
Causes of Cystic Fibrosis
This illness is caused when a gene mutation interferes with the protein responsible for regulating the movement of salt in and out of cells. This leads to thick and sticky mucus in the digestive, respiratory and reproductive system. The most notable symptom is increased salt in sweat.