What happens to the body with cystic fibrosis?

Answer 1

It effects the body in a number of ways:

(1) Lungs- It is common for people with CF to encounter some difficulties with their lungs. But a combination of physiotherapy and medication can help control lung infections and prevent lung damage. To avoid the risk of cross infection, it is recommended that people with CF do not come into close contact with others with Cystic Fibrosis, which is why in so many hospitals people with CF are segregated.

(2) Digestive System- mucus blocks the digestive system making it hard for people with cystic fibrosis to digest food. This can be helped with the medicine "Creon" which is an enzyme which helps to break food down.

(3) Meconium ileus- In every ten babies born with CF, one is ill in the first few days of life with a bowel obstruction known as Meconium Ileus.

(4) Bones- due to the nutritional and other problems involved with the disease

(5) Infertility- Although people with CF are not deemed as 100% infertile, most men with Cf are due to blockages in the tubes that carry sperm, which causes infertility. Because underweight women are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles, the nutritional problems associated with CF may affect fertility.

(6) Liver- Cystic Fibrosis can cause the blockage of small ducts in the liver. This only happens to approximately 8% of people who have CF, but it is a serious health risk and may necessitate a liver transplant

Answer 2

Cystic fibrosis affects the body's ability to move salt and water in and out of cells. This defect causes the lungs and pancreas to secrete thick mucus, blocking passageways and preventing proper function.

Answer 3

Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic, long term life-threatening condition effects the lungs, digestive system, pancreas, and sometimes the liver and sex organs. It is a inherited disorder, and can only be passed down from two parents who are cf carriers, meaning a defective CFTR gene. About 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of cystic fibrosis.

People with cf produce an abnormal amount of thick, sticky mucous that clog the lungs and ducts in the pancreas, leading to chronic lung infections, coughing and difficulty breathing. It also obstructs the ducts in the pancreas, which blocks the enzymes from entering the intestines leading malabsorption. Children with cystic fibrosis have a hard time gaining weight and growing normally; the have to consume more calories than their peers to keep their weight at an average for how tall they are.

The symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary from person to person. They may include

-salty skin

-shortness of breath/wheezing

-Bulky, greasy stools

-weight loss

-frequent infections; pneumonia, bronchitis etc.,

-nasal polyps

-abdominal bloating/gas

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but patients can control their symptom by medications, (antibiotics, inhalers, enzymes, and sometimes a feeding tube if not able to gain weight), airway clearance, and proper nutrition. Eventually lung damage may become so severe that a lung transplant is needed. In 1985, the average life expectancy was 25. Thanks to research and updated medical care, the life expectancy in 2007 was 37.4, which continues to increase.