Cystic Fibrosis: A Rare, Inherited Life Threatening Disorder

Sonali Kapoor

, Health A2Z

 

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited life-threatening disorder which damages the lungs and digestive system of the body. This makes your health worse day by day you start facing some health problems, in this article, we are going to talk about Cystic Fibrosis and how it can affect your health.

 

(People Also Like To Read:Overeating These Superfoods Can Cause Weight Gain!)

 

Define Cystic Fibrosis?

 

 

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder which causes major harm to the lungs, digestive system, and other bodies organs. It majorly affects the cells which produce mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. Although secreted fluids are usually slippery and thin.

 

 

This disorder requires daily care, people with this condition are usually able to attend school and work, and often have a better quality of life than people with cystic fibrosis had in previous decades.

 

 

What are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?

 

The symptoms are divided into 2 categories:

 

 

Respiratory Symptoms

 

The thick and sticky mucus similar to cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs.  signs and symptoms such as:

 

 

1. A Constant cough which produces thick mucus

 

2. Wheezing

 

3. Breathlessness

 

4. Exercise intolerance

 

5. Repeated lung infections

 

6. Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose

 

 

Digestive Symptoms

 

The thickest mucus can also block the tubes which carry digestive enzymes from the pancreas to our small intestine. Without these digestive enzymes, the intestines aren’t able to completely absorb the nutrients in the food you eat.

 

 

1. Disgusting-smelling, greasy stools

 

 

2. Loss of weight gain and growth

 

 

3. Intestinal blockage, particularly in newborns

 

 

4. Severe constipation

 

 

Ways to Manage Cystic Fibrosis

 

 

1. Avoid Germs

 

 

Always keep in mind to be hygienic all the time. Cystic Fibrosis causes solid, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs, creating an environment where germs thrive. This can put you at high risk for lung infections, which affect how well your lungs work.

 

(You Might Also Like To Read:Most Common Diseases in the World that Can be Deadly!)

 

Follow these tips to steer clear of germs in your day-to-day life:

 

 

1. Stay away from anyone who’s sick.

 

 

2. Avoid physical activities which put you near other people with CF, to lower the risk of spreading sickness.

 

 

3. Wash your hands time to time with soap and water.

 

 

4. Clean and sterilize your medical equipment properly.

 

 

5. Never share items which come into contact with saliva (straws or utensils) with other people or even family.

 

 

6. Keep away from dust or dirt.

 

 

2. Exercise

 

 

Exercise helps to clear mucus out of the lungs. It strengthens the heart and muscles. With the help of daily physical activity, you feel, calm and easier to do daily tasks. Choose physical activities which you enjoy and that keep you moving. Do consult with your CF care team to find an exercise program which works best for you. Try to do moderate exercise for about 15-20 minutes every day of the week.

 

 

If you go to the gym, take steps to avoid germs. For example:

 

 

1. Clean down the equipment with an alcohol-based gel before you use it.

 

 

2.  Clean your hands after you touch any surface from treadmills to hairdryers.

 

 

3. Stay away from anyone who’s sick.

 

 

 

3. Eat Well

 

 

With CF, the pancreas doesn’t work as it should. It doesn’t make the enzymes it needs to help to digest food. This affects how well your body gets nutrients. It uses more energy to breathe, fight infections, and maintain your weight than other people do.

 

 

That is the only reason why people who have CF often need about twice the calories the average person needs in a day. Work with your CF care team to find out how many daily calories you need and the best way to get them.

 

 

 

4. Emotional Health

 

 

When you have Cystic Fibrosis, your physical health takes center stage. But your emotional health is important, too. Because you have a longterm disease, you may face lots of stress and anxiety. This can put you at risk for depression.

 

 

 

Some of the signs include:

 

 

1. Sadness

 

 

2. Low energy

 

 

3. Feeling hopeless or worthless

 

 

4. Difficulty concentrating

 

 

5. Frequent crying

 

 

6. Irritability

 

 

7. Depression can also cause problems with your sleep. You may sleep too much or too little. Or you might worry a lot and have headaches. You may even have thoughts of suicide.

 

 

 

5. Fertility and Sexual Health

 

 

Men with CF are missing the vas deferens. This is a part of the male reproductive system. Sperm travels through it to exit the penis during ejaculation. Some men with CF make healthy sperm, but they’re infertile (can’t get a woman pregnant).

 

 

If you’re a man with CF, you and your partner can conceive with the help of assisted reproductive technology. Consult a doctor for a referral to a urologist a doctor who specializes in male reproductive organs will help you.

 

 

Most of the women with CF are fertile, but the disease can make it harder to get pregnant. They have thicker cervical mucus, which is harder for sperm to travel through to reach the egg. But in most of the women who have CF want to get pregnant are able to and can go on to have a normal pregnancy.

 

 

 

Conclusion:

 

 

Here, we have discussed Cystic fibrosis. The best way to cure this is to change the lifestyle diet and other activities as earlier as you can. If you ever start feeling any of the above symptoms so consult immediately to the doctor.

 

(People Also Like To Read:5 Best And Worst Diet for Piles Patient)

About GoMedii: GoMedii is a Healthcare Technology Platform That Works Out Your Treatment / Surgery the Way You Need & Plan. A Treatment partner that simplifies the patient journey at every step. Drop Your Queries for the most affordable & world-class treatment options.You may simply download the GoMedii app for Android or iOS.