cystic fibrosis

Question 1

symptoms

Answer 1

the build up of sticky mucus in the lungs can cause breathing problems and increase the risk of lung infections. over time lungs may stop working properly.
mucus also clots the pancreases which stops enzymes reaching food in the gut and helping with digestion.
most people with cystic fibrosis don’t absorb nutrients properly and ned to eat more calories to avail malnutrition
-reoccurring chest infections
-wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and damage to the airways
-difficulty putting weight on and growing
-yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
- constipation, diarrhoea

Question 2

causes

Answer 2

a genetic condition- caused by a faulty gene that affects the movement of salt and water in and out of cells.
a child has to inherit a faulty gene from both parents for this to happen. if the parents are carriers of the faulty gene, which means they don’t have cystic fibrosis themselves

Question 3

diagnostic techniques

Answer 3

all UK babies are sent for screening for cystic fibrosis as part of the new born blood spot test. if the screening suggests they may have it they’ll need additional tests to confirm

• a sweat test- measure the amount of salt in sweat
• a genetic test- sample of blood or saliva, which will check for the faulty gene.

Question 4

diagnostic techniques

Answer 4

all UK babies are sent for screening for cystic fibrosis as part of the new born blood spot test. if the screening suggests they may have it they’ll need additional tests to confirm

• a sweat test- measure the amount of salt in sweat
• a genetic test- sample of blood or saliva, which will check for the faulty gene.

Question 5

treatments/how to live with it

Answer 5

there is no cure for it, but a range of treatments can help to control the symptoms, prevent or reduce complications and make condition easier to live with.

• may need to take different medicines to treat and prevent lung problems
• physical activity and the use of airway clearance techniques to clear mucus from lungs
• support is available to help people with cystic fibrosis live independently and have the best quality of life