What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease in tbe United States. It affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. alone. Approximately 1,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
CF is a disease that affects (most commonly) the lungs and the digestive system. Though it can affect some of the other organs as well. The way that it affects these organs: the body makes thickened secretions (mucus) and it blocks certain parts of these organs making them not work properly and also putting a strain on other organs causing them to malfunction as well. For instance, with the pancreas, the thickened mucus clogs the ducts (?) which produce enzymes which the body uses to digest food. Therefor, a person who has CF has to take these enzymes orally to digest the food that they eat. Mucus can also clog the gland (exocrine, I think) that produces the insulin, which can in turn create Diabetes in some CF'ers. With the lungs, thickened mucus is produced which in turn makes it harder to breathe. Since the mucus is thicker than normal it is harder to get out of the lungs and eventually clogs the small and large airways. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria which can cause lung infections and Pnemonia. Also, with the airways blocked it makes it hard for the lungs to exchange oxygen properly and so CF'ers will eventually have to wear supplemental oxygen.
The lung infections are commonly treated with oral antibiotics and then later on IV antibiotics. Also, there are daily breathing treatments of a bronchiodialator, Pulmozyme, and sometimes TOBI. After these breathing treatments CPT (chest physiotherapy) is administered through use of the flutter, PEP valve or mask, ThAIRapy vest, or the good old fashioned way, with someone else clapping on the back with cupped hands. All four of these methods breaks the mucus loose and makes it easier to get out.
Currently there is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis. So, please help us work towards a cure for the future. :)
Look below for some links with more indepth information on Cystic Fibrosis.
cysticmain
Peter rabbit has cystic fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Cystic-L - Cystic Fibrosis Info & Support
CFRI - Cystic Fibrosis Research Inc.
International Cystic Fibrosis Support Group
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Page
