Diseases

Question 1

Describe how cystic fibrosis can effect an individual physically

Answer 1

1. As cystic fibrosis causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, this can cause breathing problems and increase risk of lung infections. Overtime, the lungs may stop working properly and shut down.
2. Mucus can also clog the pancreas which stops enzymes reaching food in the gut and aiding digestion. This means most people with cystic fibrosis don’t absorb nutrients from food and need to eat more calories to avoid malnutrition/ weight loss.
3. People with cystic fibrosis may develop other related conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility in males and liver problems.

Question 2

Describe how cystic fibrosis can impact an individual psychologically

Answer 2

1. Since there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, people with the condition can loose their sense of hope and gratitude for living
2. People suffering from CF are less likely to go to social events/ socialise generally due to their risk of infection which can create feelings of isolation.
3. Feelings of anxiety, loss of autonomy and loneliness can, in long term, turn into depression.

Question 3

Describe how CF can effect an individual socially

Answer 3

1. As people with CF are not allowed to meet, it can prohibit who people with cystic fibrosis can communicate with while in hospital. This can prevent them from receiving any face to face support groups.
2. Receiving treatments and hospital care may cause children with cystic fibrosis to take time off school, which can prevent them from making friends or fully experiencing school.
3. People with CF may lose social connections with friends/ work colleagues, as they are less likely to go out due to their risk of infection.

Question 4

Describe how osteoarthritis can effect an individual physically

Answer 4

1. Fingers may be stiff, painful and swollen. Fingers may start to bend slightly and you may develop painful cysts on the backs of your fingers.
2. Both knees will become effected overtime, unless it occurred as a result of an injury or another condition only affecting one knee. As a result, it will be painful to walk, particularly walking up or down stairs and hills.
3. Difficulty moving your hip joints. For example, it may be difficult to put socks and shoes on or getting out of the car. Pain is often worse when you move the hip joints, although it can also affect you when you are resting/ sleeping.

Question 5

Describe how osteoarthritis can effect an individual psychologically

Answer 5

1. They may feel like a burden as they are unable to perform simple tasks by themselves. For example, cooking and maintaining personal hygiene.
2. May face insomnia due to the main which could result in fatigue and increase difficulty of processing decisions and a loss of control
   3.