Archive for the ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ Category

Symptoms Of Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms:

Cystic fibrosis symptoms does not follow the same pattern in all patients but  affects different people in different ways and to varying degrees. However, the basic problem is the same-an abnormality in the glands, which produce or the glands, which produce. Sweat cools the body; mucus lubricates the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems, and prevents tissues from drying out, protecting them from infection.People with Cystic fibrosis lose excessive amounts of salt when they sweat. This can upset the balance of minerals in the blood, which may cause abnormal heart rhythms. Going into shock is also a risk.Mucus in Cystic fibrosis patients is very thick and accumulates in the intestines and lungs. The result is malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing difficulties, and eventually permanent lung damage. Lung disease is the usual cause of death in most patients.(Loss of lung function is a major medical problem in most patients with CF. The average person with CF experiences a gradual worsening of lung function each year due to infection and inflammation. In people with CF, loss of lung function primarily is caused by blockage of air passages with infected mucus. The thick mucus plugs the air passages of the lungs and must be broken up and removed. The repeated lung infections also can cause permanent scarring of the lungs. Many adults with CF also develop symptoms of chronic sinus infections.Cystic fibrosis is a disease passed down through families that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body. It is one of the most common chronic lung diseases in children and young adults. It is a life-threatening disorder.

Causes Of  Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms:

Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms can vary from child to child, depending on the severity of the disease. Even in the same child, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. In some children, symptoms begin during infancy. Other people may not begin experiencing symptoms until adolescence or adulthood.One of the first signs of cystic fibrosis is an excessively salty taste to the skin. People with cystic fibrosis tend to have higher than normal amounts of salt in their sweat. Parents often can taste the salt when they kiss their child.Most of the other signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis affect the respiratory system or the digestive system. Most of the time newborns with cystic fibrosis look just like healthy babies because the disease does not cause any visible abnormalities in the early stages. About 20% of the time, babies with CF will have a serious intestinal obstruction at birth called a meconium ileus. This type of obstruction rarely occurs unless a baby has CF, so if it occurs it is usually considered the first symptom.Conditions such as late onset of puberty, intestinal obstruction, inflammation of the pancreas, cirrhosis (a liver condition), and infertility may also be signs of CF.

Treatment Of  Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms:

Antibiotics to prevent and treat lung and sinus infections. They may be taken by mouth, or given in the veins or by breathing treatments. People with cystic fibrosis may take antibiotics only when needed, or all the time. Doses are usually higher than normal.Inhaled medicines to help open the airwaysDNAse enzyme therapy to thin mucus and make it easier to cough up
High concentration of salt solutions (hypertonic saline)
Flu vaccine and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) yearly (ask your health care provider).Lung transplant is an option in some cases.Oxygen therapy may be needed as lung disease gets worse.Lung problems are also treated with aerobic exercise or other therapies to thin the mucous and make it easier to cough up out of the lungs. These include a Percussion Vest, manual chest percussion, A-capella, or TheraPEP device.
Treatment for bowel and nutritional problems (see: Cystic fibrosis – nutritional considerations) may include:high in protein and calories for older children and adults (see: Cystic fibrosis nutrional considerations), Pancreatic enzymes to help absorb fats and protein , Vitamin supplements, especially vitamins A, D, E, and K , Your doctor can suggest other treatments if you have very hard stools , Care and monitoring at home should include:Avoiding smoke, dust, dirt, fumes, household chemicals, fireplace smoke, and mold or mildew , Clearing or bringing up mucus or secretions from the airways. This must be done one to fours times each day. Patients, families, and caregivers must learn about doing chest percussion and postural drainage to help keep the airways clear,Drinking plenty of fluids. This is particularly true for infants, children, in hot weather, when there is diarrhea or loose stools, or during extra physical activity
Exercising two or three times each week. Swimming, jogging, and cycling are good options.