What are the negative effects of cystic fibrosis?
CF causes thick mucus that clogs certain organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. This may cause malnutrition, poor growth, frequent respiratory infections, breathing problems, and chronic lung disease.
What does cystic fibrosis affect in the body?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.
What are the most common complications of cystic fibrosis?
The most serious and common complications of cystic fibrosis are problems with the lungs, also known as pulmonary or respiratory problems, which may include serious lung infections. People who have cystic fibrosis often also have problems maintaining good nutrition, because they have a hard time absorbing the nutrients from food.
Are there any side effects to cystic fibrosis medication?
The CF community is no stranger to the fact that medications that we put into our bodies, especially the powerful ones, do not come without risks. However, they are necessary evils to battle cystic fibrosis. Lately, my battle with cystic fibrosis has been riddled with these powerful, yet damaging, medications.
What are the symptoms of cystic fibrosis in the lungs?
Symptoms of cystic fibrosis. The build-up of sticky mucus in the lungs can cause breathing problems and increases the risk of lung infections. Over time, the lungs may stop working properly.
Can a person with cystic fibrosis have liver damage?
This can be a minor problem for most people with cystic fibrosis. However, occasionally the inflammation leads to permanent damage in the ducts that in turn leads to scarring and problems with the normal functioning of the liver. It is not known why some people develop CF-related liver damage and others do not.
What is life expectancy with CF?
In some cases, CF can be a mild disease. But in most people with CF, it poses a serious risk to a person’s health. The average lifespan of a person with CF is 37 years. Those with a milder form can live into their 50s.
What treatments are available for cystic fibrosis?
The methods used in treating cystic fibrosis include medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, inhaled bronchodilators, oral pancreatic enzymes, and mucus-thinning medications. In addition physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and surgical procedures can be required.
What is the prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF)?
What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients who have cystic fibrosis (CF)? There is no cure for CF and it cannot be prevented. However, new treatment methods help children who have CF live well into adulthood and have a better quality of life. Advances in the treatment of CF have increased the expected age of a patient’s survival, from the mid-teens in the 1970s to more than 36 years old currently.
What is the treatment for CF?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) has no cure. However, treatments have greatly improved in recent years. The goals of CF treatment include: The basic daily care program varies from person to person, but usually includes pulmonary therapy (treatments to maintain lung function) and nutritional therapy (a high-calorie, high-fat diet with vitamin supplements).