Early Diagnosis and Treatment May Manage Cystic Fibrosis
Common illnesses such as a headache, food poisoning, flu, etc. are often easily manageable and treatable. However, there are certain diseases, especially inherited ones, are so acute that that can become chronic if couldn’t be identified and treated in their early stages. Cystic fibrosis is one of those health conditions, affecting more than 30,000 kids and young adults every year in the US alone.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic health condition that can cause lungs, and digestive system become clogged with thick and sticky mucus. It may accompany a range of issues along with breathing and digestive problems from a very young age. Over many years, the lungs are increasingly damaged and may, as a result, stop functioning properly. Other symptoms and signs may include weak growth, sinus infection, clubbing of the fingers and toes, fatty stool, and infertility in males. Different patients may experience variation in degrees of symptoms.
Most often, symptoms of the condition are observed in early childhood; however, sometimes these can develop soon after birth and very occasionally these may not be apparent until adulthood. Therefore, screening tests should be carried out soon after birth for precautionary purposes and treatment should be sought before the disease gets worst and eventually chronic.
Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis
There are various treatment options to help reduce the effects caused by the inherited disorder, but a definite cure of the condition is still unknown. Moreover, average life expectancy is also reduced for patients who have it. Possible treatment options may include:
- Antibiotics as prescribed by a specialist to prevent and heal chest infections
- Anti-inflammatory medicine to widen the airways
- Medicine to make the mucus in the lungs softer, thinner and easier to cough up
- Application of special devices and techniques to help wipe out mucus from the lungs
- Medicines that help the patient improve the digestion system and absorb food better
- Taking supplements to prevent malnutrition
- Following a special diet plan as recommended by health expert or nutritionist
- Physical therapy in combination with daily exercises as suited for the patient
If the lungs become immensely damaged, the condition demands a lung transplant. The treatments are aimed at improving the quality of life, breathing and lung capabilities, and helping boost nutrient intake and absorption. Earlier detection of the health disorder, including during pregnancy, is helping specialist doctors manage the disease as early on as possible.
