Cystic fibrosis explanation

Question 1

What is cystic fibrosis?

Answer 1

• Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes the body to make thick, sticky mucous.
• This causes problems in particularly in the lungs and the digestive system.
• Healthy lungs produce mucous to protect the airways and make it easier to breathe. In CF, thick sticky mucous can clog up the lungs. It also provides a great environment for bacteria to grow, which is why CF patients have recurrent chest infections.
• The pancreas is an organ that produces enzymes which help digest food. When thick mucous clogs up the pancreas, it makes digestion difficult, so patients may not get all the vitamins and nutrients they need.

Question 2

How is it inherited?

Answer 2

• Recessive - need 2 copies of the gene in order to have CF
• One from the mother, one from the father
• Mother and father may not even know they have the gene (carriers)

Question 3

How is CF treated?

Answer 3

• The aim of CF treatment is to keep the lungs clear of mucus and free of infection
  
  • Physio
  • Prophylactic antibiotics
  • Inhalers/Mucolytics
• It’s also important for someone with CF to eat well. People with CF have to work harder to breathe, so they burn off more calories
  
  • High calorie diet (dietician)
  • Vitamin supplements
  • Enzymes