A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Cystic Fibrosis
Medical Questions » Cystic Fibrosis
| Name: Cystic Fibrosis |
| Also known as: Fibrocystic Disease |
| A congenital disease of all mucus glands in the body due to genetic damage that occurs in 1:2000 children. |
Causes of Cystic Fibrosis
No known cause, and there is nothing parents can do to prevent the occurrence of the disease. |
Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
Extremely varied symptoms because it is a disease of mucus glands throughout the body, but particularly those in the lungs and gut. In the lungs, the mucus becomes thick and sticky, the lungs clog up, become infected, and the lung tissue is destroyed. In the gut, excess mucus is produced, food cannot be absorbed correctly, and diarrhea occurs. Because the glands in the reproductive organs are involved, these patients are usually sterile, and so cannot pass the disease on to their children. Glands in the skin produce sweat that is far saltier than that of normal people. |
Tests for Cystic Fibrosis
Diagnosed by measuring the amount of salt in sweat, chest X-rays, abnormal lung function tests, and faeces tests. The condition cannot be detected before birth, but screening of parents to see if they are potential carriers is sometimes successful. |
Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
Physiotherapy several times every day to clear the lungs is critical. Antibiotics are used to treat lung infection, and medications to open up the airways (bronchodilators) and loosen the thick mucus (mucolytics) are prescribed. Regular vaccination against lung infections are essential. As a final solution, a heart and lung transplant may be performed.
|
Complications of Cystic Fibrosis of its treatment
Severe lung infections, lung damage and heart failure. |
Likely Outcome of Cystic Fibrosis
No cure. Outcome depends on the patient' s dedication to following a comprehensive treatment program. Many survive into their 30s with continued intensive therapy. |
|
|
