Cystic Fibrosis

There are numerous inherited diseases that transfer from the parents to their children, such as cystic fibrosis, and cause several problems. They’re also life-long conditions with no cure, unfortunately.

Cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes thick mucus to build up, in addition to increased sweat and digestive juices, and that leads to damage in multiple organs in the body.

There are two types of cystic fibrosis:

• Classical cystic fibrosis: It’s diagnosed at the beginning of a child’s life and mostly affects several organs in the body.
• Atypical cystic fibrosis: It’s a milder type, and it affects only one organ in the body, or the symptoms might come and go. It’s diagnosed in older children or adults.

Causes of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis occurs due to a mutation in a gene, which leads to a baby with this condition, and that causes a problem in the production of mucus, sweat, and digestive juices.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis impacts multiple organs in the body.

Respiratory symptoms

• Breathing problems.
• Wheezing.
• Persistent cough with sputum.
• Inflamed nasal passages.
• Recurrent sinusitis.
• Recurrent lung infections.
• Inability to exercise.

Digestive symptoms

• Oily or loose stools.
• Severe or chronic constipation.
• Failing to gain weight, which causes slow child growth.

Atypical symptoms

• Nasal polyps (benign tissue growths).
• Chronic sinusitis.
• Diarrhea.
• Dehydration and abnormal electrolyte levels.
• Pancreatitis.
• Unintentional weight loss.

Complications of cystic fibrosis

• Chronic and recurrent infections, such as sinusitis and pneumonia.
• Blood cough.
• Bronchiectasis.
• Pneumothorax (air leaking between the lung and chest wall).
• Respiratory failure due to damage in the lung tissue.
• Diabetes.
• Malnutrition.
• Liver disease.
• Bowel obstruction.
• Osteoporosis.
• Pregnancy problems, especially preterm birth.
• Infertility in males.
• Reduced fertility in females.
• Mental problems, such as depression, anxiety, and fear.

Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis

• Blood tests.
• Sweat test.
• Lung functions test.
• Imaging tests.
• Sputum cultures.
• Biopsy.

Management of cystic fibrosis

There isn’t a cure for cystic fibrosis, but the symptoms can be managed by:

• Specific medication.
• Airway clearance.
• Following a specific diet.
• Exercising.
• Some patients might require surgery or an organ transplant if it’s totally damaged.