Around 1 person out of every 3,500
is born with cystic fibrosis. Thanks to new medical procedures,
most CF patients receive a diagnosis before 2. Unfortunately, people born
before 2010 may not know they carry CF until later in life.
Cystic fibrosis creates a protein
malfunction that thickens the body's mucus. The mucus breeds infections and blocks
organs from functioning at full potential. A patient with CF often won't be
able to absorb nutrients from food.
Can you die from cystic fibrosis
disease? In the 1950s, a CF diagnosis came with no medical care options. This
guide walks you through how modern medicine helps CF patients live full lives.
How
Do You Get Cystic Fibrosis?
The protein malfunction in cystic
fibrosis comes from a genetic mutation. The mutation prevents the gene from
moving chloride to a cell's surface. Your cells need the chloride to attract
water and keep the mucus thin.
CF patients inherited the
malfunctioning gene from their parents. To pass on cystic fibrosis, both
parents must carry the gene.
Non-symptomatic carriers of the CF
gene can still pass it onto their children. Genetic testing will tell you if
you carry the CF gene.
How
Can You Die From Cystic Fibrosis Disease?
The thick mucus from cystic fibrosis
puts a strain on your organs, especially the lungs. It gathers in the bronchial
tubes needed to transport air.
CF patients deal with lung problems
like:
- Wheezing
- A constant cough that produces
mucus
- Respiratory infections
- Sinus inflammation
- Inability to exercise
- Excess snot
Lung infections are the biggest
concern for CF patients. There's always the chance the bacterial infection is
antibiotic-resistant.
The mucus affects your pancreas,
limiting the digestive enzymes in your intestines. There is a direct link between the enzymes and the
patient's ability to gain weight.
Poor digestion can also lead to
intestinal blockage and damage to the rectum. Both conditions leave the CF
patient exposed to possible infection. If a CF patient's lower stomach is hard
and painful, seek medical attention.
Current
Treatment Options For Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Living with cystic fibrosis means
constant work to control the mucus. The patient and their care team make a
customized routine. Once the routine works, it's important to stick to it every
day.
Possible options for cystic fibrosis
treatment:
- Medications to treat common CF
gene mutations
- Anti-inflammatory medications
for swollen bronchial tubes
- Medications to thin the mucus
- Medications to relax the
airways
- Enzymes to help digest
nutrients from food
- Physical therapy to loosen
chest congestion
- Coughing and breathing methods
to loosen mucus
- A CF nutrition plan
The CF patient may need more
intensive treatment options. They could end up with a feeding tube, sinus
surgery, or a lung transplant.
A
Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis Isn't the End of Living a Good Life
Can you die from cystic fibrosis?
The prognosis for CF patients nowadays is about 40-50 years. How long the CF
patient lives after diagnosis depends on the care they receive.
Early intervention for CF patients
is the key to a long life. Children with CF who go untreated don't develop at
the same speed as their peers. They need support from doctors to grow and
protect their health.
On a search for more helpful health
tips? Browse our blog to find everything you need to know about staying happy
and healthy.
