An Introduction To Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic fibrosis has been around since medieval times. Infants in the middle ages who had “salty” skin were considered bewitched because they normally died during infancy. The disease is sometimes fatal, inherited, chronic, and progressive. There is no known cure for this genetic disease. Cystic fibrosis normally affects the digestive and respiratory organs of the body. Thick mucus collects in the passageways and lungs in the respiratory system and blocks the ducts that allow digestive enzymes to reach the small intestine.

Children and adults alike can be affected by cystic fibrosis. Sweat glands are affected and most of the time the reproductive system is also affected. Cystic fibrosis is a disease that is inherited when both parents are the carrier of a recessive gene. The CFTR gene is a recessive gene caused by mutations in that gene.

Caucasians are more at risk than any other ethnic group and the risk goes higher if their ancestors came from the Northern part of Europe. Although cystic fibrosis is a mainly Caucasian inherited disease it does cross into other ethnic groups.

It wasn’t until 1989 that the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis was found. Once that gene was discovered the number of babies born with cystic fibrosis started going down. There are nearly twelve million people in the United States that are unaware they are carriers of this mutant gene.

Treatment options vary according to each individual and the severity of the symptoms. The most common areas affected by cystic fibrosis are the respiratory and digestive systems. Symptoms also vary for each individual with cystic fibrosis. Symptoms can include too much salt in sweat. This will cause an upset in the balance of minerals in the blood. A disturbance in the balance of minerals can cause heart arrhythmia problems and shock can be the result.

Thick masses of mucus can build up in the lungs and intestines causing malnutrition, slower than normal growth, chronic infections, problems with breathing and eventually lung damage. The cause of death of most cystic fibrosis patients is lung disease.

There are many other medical problems that cystic fibrosis can create. Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, heart enlargement, chronic cough and pneumothorax are additional severe problems cystic fibrosis can cause. Pneumothorax is caused when lung tissue ruptures and air gets trapped between the chest wall and the lung. Coughing up blood is another severe complication when the disease attacks the lungs.

Complications can occur in the intestinal tract also. A cystic fibrosis patient may experience intense stomach pain, excessive gas, bloating, and diarrhea or bowel obstruction. Other serious complications are rectal prolapse. That occurs when the patient has chronic diarrhea or a bowel obstruction. Gall bladder disease, pancreatic inflammation, liver and diabetes may also be severe complications of this incurable disease. Staying as healthy and fit as possible is one of the best favors you can do for yourself.

How To Prevent Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic Bronchitis, as the name suggests is a lifelong
condition therefore it is best to stop the progression of
the disease in its early stages. An attack of bronchitis
starts as acute bronchitis, it is a generalized inflammation
of airways and commonly shows with the following symptoms:

-Frequent bouts of coughing, which may or may not be
accompanied by chest tightness.
-Affected person gasps for oxygen.
-Extreme tiredness.
-Fever may also be present.
-Pain may occur after bouts of prolonged expectoration.

This continued over a long duration may manifest as chronic
bronchitis if not checked in time.

The first and most important step is to recognize the
irritant and take measures to eliminate it. Exposure with
irritants like dust should be avoided at all costs. Smokers
should quit on smoking before the condition gets out of
hand.

Additional preventive measures include:

-Those predisposed towards regular bronchitis attacks like
chain smokers should avoid areas of heavy air pollution and
dust.
-Always wear shielding clothes and mask when working in a
dusty environment.
-Be extra careful during seasonal changes as the number of
bronchitis attacks increase in this period.
-Be sure to take up a fixed schedule of physical activity.
-Cover mouth and nose when going out in cold climates so
that the person does not breath in cold air as cold air is
known to worsen the situation.
-Be careful when taking drugs for other minor niggles as
some drugs can add to the problem. Always consult your doctor.
-Include high quantities of salubrious vitamins like vitamin
A and C.

In case of an exacerbation of bronchitis here are
the things that you can do to ease the distress:

-Start taking in steam inhalations to loosen the mucous so
that it can be easily coughed out.
-Avoid excessive usage of drugs that decrease the cough as our
aim should be to cough out as much mucous as possible.
-Use steroidal inhalers breathers if necessary.
-Another preventive step to take is limit the intake of food
stuff that increase the production of cough like sugary food
stuff, dairy and fat laden products.
-Also be punctual with annual vaccinations against flu.
-Keep good personal hygiene and always clean hands before
any meal.