Cystic FibrosisCystic fibrosis is a very serious lung disease which is chronic, usually beginning in infancy.
This medical condition of children is primarily a disorder of the exocrine gland, which is one of the main ducts in the body. The glands will secrete a thick mucous which is very abnormal. This blocks the ducts in the pancreas for one, the liver, and of course lungs. These abnormal secretions build up causing ducts to form cysts, become swollen, and produce organ changes that are unhealthy.
When the bronchi is obstructed, it can also cause emphysema, which commonly leads to lung infections in these people. What creates CF in the first place? Genes are mostly responsible for bringing on this medical condition. The gene factor is like this: A parent carries an abnormal CFTR which stands for cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator. Children who inherit this, will have CF. Children that inherit a CFTR gene that is abnormal from just one parent and a normal gene from the other, will not get CF. A CF carrier can always pass this on to the children, but not have CF themselves. When two CF parents have a baby, there is at least a two to four chance of the child getting this disease. If both sides of the genes are normal, there is still a possible one in four chance of a child getting CF. Symptoms of CF are: Frequent coughing that brings up sputum or phlegm. Salty-tasting skin Always having a problem with bronchitis or pneumonia. Dehydration Infertility Diarrhea or bulky and fould smelling, greasy stools. A ravenous appetite, but weight loss and bad growth. They term this lack of growth as a failure to thrive. Since the pancreas doe not work right in CF, you don't get the value of the foods eaten. Abdominal pains and gas. CF can lead to many multiple medical conditions. Children that are growing up with this problem might have many of the following ailments: Sinuses are affected because these produce mucus and help keep airways unconstricted. When there is swelling, sinuses become blocked up, and a sinus infection develops.
Bronchitis chronically is not uncommon. Since mucus collects so much with CF, this seems to be an ongoing problem that becomes severe. Lungs that collapse are not uncommon. The medical term is pneumothorax. Clubbing of the fingers often happen to children with CF. This is because they lack oxygen in the blood, and fingers become widened. Rectal prolapse may happen due to heavy coughing which is sometime very severe and annoying. This creates a problem with rectal tissue moving out. Liver disease, since it is a big part of the exocrine glands is highly possible. Diabetes is possible since the pancreas is greatly affected by CF conditions. For an in-depth look, please refer to my diabetes site. How will a doctor determine Cystic Fibrosis? After a careful medical history is taken, a sweat test is usually one of the first things that they will do. What happens with this test is the doctor will apply a small amount of a chemical known as Pilocarpen. It is usually applied to the arms or legs. With an electrode attached to this, a mild electric current will bring up a sweat. A feeling of warmth might be there. The area is covered up with gauze and then wrapped in plastic. After a time period has passed, usually 40 minutes, the plastic is taken off. The sweat on the paper is examined. If the test is questionable, it will be done again. When high salt levels are shown, it is indicative of CF. Blood tests will find an abnormal gene for cystic fibrosis. Other things om blood tests will also show CF, such as low blood oxygen levels, or maybe high blood sugars, and liver enzymes which are off. Chest x-rays are important. The lungs will probably appear as scarred if CF is there. X-rays of the sinus area that show sinusitis is another pointer. A test of lung functioning will most definitely be done. The doctor will want to know how much air your lungs can hold, and how rapidly a person can breathe out. Another thing too is how well your lungs are able to get rid of carbon dioxide from the blood. Sputum can be taken in cultures. This will show what bacterias are there. What can be done for Cystic Fibrosis? Oxygen is often given if there are many breathing problems and the blood oxygen level is low. Lung transplants may help. This surgery can be done for some people with CF but not all of them. Factors depend largely on what other illnesses are there. Nutritional help A good diet and the right diet with Cystic Fibrosis is important. Most doctors will give supplemental vitamins to replace fatty foods that cannot be tolerated with CF people. Sometimes an NG (feeding tube), is needed to supplement the diet with more calories during the night time hours.
Overall the goals of other treatment are: To keep control of lung infections that Cystic fibrosis patients always have a lot of. Therapy can be given to loosen mucus from the lungs. This therapy is done a couple times or more weekly to help the breathing situation. Electric chest clappers help a great deal.This is done three to four times per day by pounding on the chest to get rid of buildup. This is known as a mechanical percussor. Deep breathing exercises may help. This is called active cycle breathing, which loosens mucus from lungs. Other medicines that help Motrin or or any type of a non-steroidal drug seems to help young children with the advancing process of Cystic Fibrosis. Inhaled medications help the lungs. These are often steroids that help the actions of the lungs. A bronchodilator has been known to help a great deal to open up the airway passages. and relax the muscles. Have A Great Story or Article on Cystic Fibrosis?Do you have a great story about this? Share it! What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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