Cystic Fibrosis
...the
world today. This paper discusses many aspects of cystic
fibrosis, from the clinical manifestations and specific
complications of the disease to the daily lifestyles of CF
patients. This paper will also cover the demographics of
patients suffering from CF; including age, race, and
gender. Information regarding treatment options and
preventative screening available for the disease will
follow.
Cystic Fibrosis is a tragic disease that affects the
respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Thick,
sticky mucus is formed that inhabits the lungs,
intestines, and reproductive linings and allows an ideal
breading ground for bacteria. This over-production of mucus
causes frequent infections, breathing difficulties,
malnutrition, poor growth, and lung disease. Many CF
patients are characterized as "talking through their nose"
or having a persistent cough with no results. The
accumulated mucus is so thick that simple coughing does not
dislodge it. Daily respiratory treatments, exercise, chest
physical therapy, and vigorous percussion are some of the
therapies that help to decrease and shift mucus secretions.
My aunt, Linda Hegberg, suffered from cystic fibrosis and
my mother used to jump and pound on her back to help
dislodge the mucus. This form of vigorous percussion helped
maintain what health Linda had left in her lungs. (K.
Workman, personal interview, June 9, 2005).
CF also causes respiratory problems such as atelactesis
(collapsed lung), pneumothorax, hemoptysis (coughing up blood),
sinusitis, and nasal polyps.
In the intestinal tract, mucus can also build up and
prevent proper digestion of foodstuffs. With inadequate
digestion and limited pancreatic enzymes, the patient
suffers from malnutrition and frequent obstructions....
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