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- Email: contact@teachrare.org
Cystic fibrosis (CF), also known as Fibrocystic disease of the pancreas or Mucoviscidosis, is an inherited disease that causes the buildup of thick of the mucus and disrupts the function of sweat glands. It causes breathing problems and lung damage; it may also a man’s reproductive system.
The condition used to be much more prevalent in children, however it has recently become more predominant in adulthood. This is not due to fewer children being diagnoses with CF, but more due to treatments becoming more effective, and the fact that patients with CF are now living longer.
Mucus buildup and bacterial infections caused by CF can result in chronic coughing, wheezing, and inflammation, which can lead to permanent lung damage.
Common Symptoms of CF include:
Adults with cystic fibrosis experience health problems affecting the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Men with CBAVD are unable to father children unless they undergo fertility treatment.
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CF treatments have improved greatly in recent years, and some people are living into their forties or fifties. Treatment will involve multiple specialists dedicated to devising a unique program for each patients needs. This team may consist of:
Everyday practices can help better manage these symptoms. For example, keeping airway clear using the following method can help in a number of ways:
There are also several medications that can help treat cystic fibrosis. These include:
In some cases, one of several surgeries may also improve the quality of life of those with CF:
Diet is another important factor in the treatment of CF. Since people with CF often require 1.5-2 times the amount of nutrients as most others, it’s important to ensure patients are consuming enough, healthy calories.
CF is rare disease; reported to affect between 1 in every 10,000-20,000 people worldwide.
Unfortunately there is no way to prevent or to cure CF. However modern treatments can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.
The average life expectancy of someone with CF used to be around 30 years old, however modern treatments now see most patients survive past their 50’s, even into their 80’s.
Talk to your talk doctor about support groups, both locally and online, where you can connect with others living with, and/or caring for those with CF.
Patient organizations and advocacy groups can help provide the latest info on treatments and medications, as well as provide the social support that can be extremely important when it comes to maintaining a healthy mental outlook.
