Cystic Fibrosis (CF): Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Cystic fibrosis, or CF is a genetic disorder that causes the body’s protein to produce thicker and stickier mucus that builds up in most organs, especially in the lungs and pancreas. Ultimately, the mucus clogs the airways and makes it difficult for the CF patient to breathe. If left untreated or ignored, cystic fibrosis can lead to varied health complications, including inflammation, respiratory infection, and lung failures. Ultimately, CF disease can prove itself a life-threatening disease. 

However, on-time cystic fibrosis diagnosis and the right medical treatment can improve the quality of a patient’s life and increase the chances of a reversal with no reoccurrence. 

If you or anyone else in your family has been suffering from cystic fibrosis, you can better manage treatment by understanding what is cystic fibrosis. Let’s discuss in detail to understand cystic fibrosis, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. 

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance regular gene is present in everyone’s body to control CFTR protein. However, when the CFTR protein does not function normally, it becomes the genesis of a genetic mutation which is known as cystic fibrosis disease. A CF patient does not produce slippery and watery mucus as usual. Due to the genetic mutation, the level of salt and water is reduced outside the cell membranes. As a result, it produces thicker and sticky mucus and creates trouble for the functioning of the lungs and pancreas. It blocks the airways and makes it difficult for the cystic fibrosis lungs to breathe. 

Similarly, it prevents enzymes from breaking down the food in the pancreas. Babies who suffer from cystic fibrosis lungs or pancreas suffer from malnourishment because they lose their capability to absorb nutrients even from high-nutrient food. Ultimately, the CF patient can become the victim of liver failure, lungs failure, and other complicated diseases. 

However, the right medical intervention can help the patient manage the risks and complications of cystic fibrosis disease. It has been proven that with the right cystic fibrosis case study and treatment, the CF patient can live a long life. 

Cystic Fibrosis Causes

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. It simply means that the hereditary genes of CF are cystic fibrosis causes. CF patients usually get the defective genes of cystic fibrosis from both their parents. The risk goes higher of the disease is in bloodline. 

But, sometimes, patients without any genetic cystic fibrosis case history become the victims of this fatal disease. Sometimes, the patient suffering from cystic fibrosis becomes a carrier of CF for his family.

Cystic Fibrosis Symptoms

Since cystic fibrosis or 65 roses disease is a hereditary disease, newborn babies become the victims of this 65 roses disease in the initial years of their life. They suffer from the following classic cystic fibrosis symptoms:

• Failure to gain weight due to malnutrition
• Diarrhea
• Greasy stools with foul-smelling
• Constipation 
• Trouble in breathing
• Sinus infection
• Lung inflammation
• Lung infection
• Salt in sweat
• Blockage in intestine
• Chronic cough
• Wheezing 
• Slow development

Generally, adults suffer from atypical cystic fibrosis in later years of life, and its symptoms are less mild than classic cystic fibrosis. Let’s look at the following atypical cystic fibrosis symptoms: 

• Recurrent sinusitis
• Pneumonia
• Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Dehydration 
• Unexplained weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Pancreatitis 
• Fertility issues

Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis

Early cystic fibrosis diagnosis can stop the situation from reoccurrence. The following processes are followed to diagnose CF: 

• Genetic Tests: A blood specimen test is done to identify the gene liable for the disease cystic fibrosis.
• Chest X-ray: Your doctor may recommend you undergo a chest ray test. But, this test may not show the final results of the cystic fibrosis diagnosis.
• Sinus X-rays: Similar to the chest X-ray, Sinus X-rays are recommended along with other tests to confirm the reason for recurrent sinus infection.
• Spirometer: With the help of the spirometer machine, the doctor may do a lung function test. Under this, the patient breathes into the spirometer. 
• Newborn Screening Test: Newborn babies who are susceptible to cystic fibrosis disease may have to undergo this diagnosis treatment. Here, the blood specimen is taken from a heel prick, and then, the blood sample is placed on the Guthrie Card. This screening test determines the presence of hereditary cystic fibrosis symptoms in the baby.
• Sweat Test: This test determines the amount of chloride in the CF patient's body sweat. For this, the doctor uses the chemical pilocarpine that is spread on the entire skin. Subsequently, electric stimulation is given to the patient to let the patient's sweat glands produce sweat. This is the most efficient test to determine the presence of the CF test.
• Sputum Culture: Under this diagnosis test, the specimen of the spit is collected to test for cystic fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis Treatment 

While there is no special cure for cystic fibrosi, your doctors can help you improve the quality of your life and help you live longer. They will help you with unblocking the airway passages in a myriad of ways. You will be guided on how to cough and breathe. This will help you lessen the symptoms of cystic fibrosis disease. Alongside, you can be given devices to loosen the level of mucus.

Furthermore, some steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are given for cystic fibrosis treatment. Along with this, some antibiotics are prescribed to prevent the risk of lung infections, and inhaled medications are given to make the mucus slippery and watery. 

But, if cystic fibrosis poses a threat to other complications, surgical intervention becomes vital. These may include:

• Sinus surgery
• Intestinal surgery
• Liver transplant surgery
• Lung transplant surgery

In a Nutshell

Undergoing diagnostic tests and surgical procedures can be profoundly stressful experiences for anyone, not just emotionally but financially too. With careful foresight and planning, you can shield yourself from the repercussions of the soaring medical costs. 

Care Health Insurance allows you to take proactive steps when you invest in a comprehensive health insurance cover. With the right plan, you will not just safeguard the happiness and security of your family but your financial well-being also. To avail the plan of your choice, kindly connect with our experts or visit the official website. 

>> Also Read: Chronic Illnesses in Children

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.