Being a hereditary disorder that affects the exocrine glands, what you need to know about cystic fibrosis is that there is currently no cure, but if caught early enough symptoms are treatable.
Cystic fibrosis is passed on from parent to child through a rare gene which must be carried by both parents. Not all children of parents who have the gene will develop the disease, but there is a 25% chance that they will, and a 50% chance that the child will become a carrier of CF as well.
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis:
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis begin mild, and then worsen over time. Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are common. This can lead to fatigue, unexplained weight loss, dehydration, and infertility problems for men. Patients have frequent bouts of chest infections, which result in an even thicker mucus substance, which coats the throat and threatens the lungs.
Treating Cystic Fibrosis:
What you need to know about cystic fibrosis is that it can't be cured but treatment can provide relief of symptoms, such as chest infection and fatigue. Antibiotics are often prescribed, along with anti-inflammatory medications to ease cough and infections.
Proper nutrition is extremely important for those who have been diagnosed with CF, and your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist, who can help you learn which foods to avoid. Cystic fibrosis makes it difficult to digest high levels of fat and protein, which leads to rapid weight loss and nutrient deficiency. Some ingredients also exacerbate symptoms, such as wheat and dairy, which thicken the mucus even more, making it difficult to swallow or breath after consumption. Following an eating plan from a medical professional gives you the best chance at rebuilding your immune system and managing symptoms.
Diagnosis Of Cystic Fibrosis:
In order to be diagnosed, you may need to be referred to a specialist. The specialist will perform a "sweat test", which takes a sample of your sweat to determine whether the salt levels are higher than normal. Individuals with CF have very salty sweat, due to the lack of a regulated water supply in the body. Drinking more water than usual is beneficial, although it will not reverse this symptom.
Prenatal screening is another option for parents who are carriers of the CF gene and are concerned that their unborn child may have it. Newborn screening and blood tests are also available.
Once diagnosed, treatment should begin right away and patients should be monitored by parents and medical personnel on an ongoing basis. There is always a risk that the symptoms could worsen, and that excessive levels of mucus and infection could lead to asphyxiation, coma, or death.
For more information on what you need to know about cystic fibrosis, speak to your family doctor. If you notice symptoms of CF in yourself or others, early diagnosis is the best preventative measure to take in slowing progression of the disease, and finding relief from the symptoms. If left untreated, the disease can become fatal because so many patients suffer from bronchial infections.