Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that affects the exocrine glands; it is responsible for the production of thick mucus which often leads to the blockage of pancreatic ducts, bronchi, intestine, and respiratory infection. Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary life-threatening disorder that ultimately damages the digestive system and the lungs of the patients.
According to the reports, which are based on the registry data of 2018, a child born with cystic fibrosis between 2014 to 2018 is expected to live at least 44 years and if the child is born in 2018, they have 50% more chances of living 47 years or more.
Furthermost, there is no proper cure available for cystic fibrosis, but the disorder can be controlled, prevented and the complications can be reduced. The person can live with the disorder with ease in life with the help of proper care and medicine it can be controlled.
Organs affected by cystic fibrosis
The hugely affected organs due to cystic fibrosis are as follows:
- Â Â Â Â Liver
- Â Â Â Â Lungs
- Â Â Â Â Pancreas
- Â Â Â Â Intestines
Common symptoms of cystic fibrosis
The symptoms of the disorder vary from one person to another and at what age the symptoms started to pop up is also very important. For some children, the symptoms van appear at infancy while in some children they may not appear after puberty.
In some cases, the symptoms can get better with time and in some cases, the situation can get worse with the passing time. The most common sign of cystic fibrosis is a strong salty taste of the skin of the children.
Problems in Respiratory system due to Cystic Fibrosis
The thick dark and sticky mucus block the tube through which the air passes and comes out from the lungs. A respiratory problem can cause the following problems:
- Â Â Â Â A constant cough which produced thick and sticky mucus
- Â Â Â Â Wheezing
- Â Â Â Â Short breathing or trouble in breathing while exercising
- Â Â Â Â Lungs infection
- Â Â Â Â A stuffy sinuses and nose
Problems in the digestive system due to cystic fibrosis
The thick mucus can mess with the channels that further carry the enzymes into the small intestine, the mucus produced by the pancreas. The intestine can’t function properly without the help of the digestive enzymes; the small intestine fails to absorb the nutrients from the foods without the help of the digestive enzymes. It can trigger the other problems related to the digestive system which are as follows:
- Â Â Â Â Constipation
- Â Â Â Â Nusea
- Â Â Â Â A swollen abdomen
- Â Â Â Â Loss of appetite
- Â Â Â Â Sudden weight gain in children
- Â Â Â Â Delayed or slow growth in children
- Â Â Â Â Greasy and bad-smelling stools
Cystic fibrosis is the most common disorder in the people of northern Europe. Hence the people who have a family history of cystic fibrosis are the ones who are at a higher risk of getting this disorder.
Conclusion
Home care is the best solution of this inherited disorder that includes, drinking a lot of water or fluids in the form of juices, etc, a daily exercise routine to loosen the thick mucus, swimming, walking, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, etc are some of the best ways to control cystic fibrosis.
