Cystic Fibrosis
Respiratory Disease
Type of Disease
The cells that are most affected are the ones in the lungs
Cystic Fibrosis can also affect other areas of the body: the pancreas and other organs
History!
Early detection can increase the patient's life span.
What It Does
In the pancreas, it clogs the pathways to the digestive system, interfering with proper digestion.
Symptoms
- salty tasting skin
- persistent coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing
- no weight gain, but excessive eating
- greasy, bulky stool
Diagnosis/Detection
~if the salt level is high, that shows that the patient has cystic fibrosis
- can also be identified through pregnancy (before birth)
~an ultrasound
- or after birth
~ a newborn screening
Treatment (depends on the stage of the disease and what organs are involved)
- postural drainage and percussion (drain the mucus out through the mouth)
- inhaled medicines (restores normal airway functions)(reduces possible inflammation)
- antibiotic (restores normal airway functions)
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- lung transplant (if condition is serious)
How to Lower the Risks
- avoid contact with people who have an illness/cold
- get a flu shot (prevention)
- no smoking (stay away from second hand smoke