Cystic Fibrosis Signs And Symptoms

Cystic Fibrosis Management

Prevalence of cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms begin to appear for the first time in about 30,000 individuals a year in the United States. These signs and symptoms are the results of a chronic disease of the lungs and digestive system. It can affect both adults and children.

What is cystic fibrosis caused by? Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defective gene which thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and causing life-threatening lung infections. Most people are diagnosed before the age of two.

Here's a short list of the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis.

• persistent cough with phlegm,
• wheezing and shortness of breath,
• frequent lung infections,
• poor growth and weight gain,
• salty-tasting skin,
• difficulty with bowel movements.

Long term effects of cystic fibrosis Back about 50 years ago or before, people with cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms rarely lived into their teens. In fact, most children with the disease would not make it to elementary school. But today new advancements have made it possible for people with cystic fibrosis to live much longer lives and in many cases even live fairly normal lives, even with the condition.

New testing techniques allow doctors to get a cystic fibrosis diagnosis at an earlier age, making it easier to seek proper treatment and maintenance of the condition.

Over 40% of the cystic fibrosis population today is over the age of 18 with the average life span reaching 37 years old. This may seem grim to some but when compared to the statistics of a few years ago, that is a major advancement. Advancements also include better treatments to help with CF in children and adults.

Cystic fibrosis management Ways of managing cystic fibrosis include causing a cough to help loosen the mucus in the airways to increase breathing. There are also new therapies to help increase longevity and there are many organizations to help with cystic fibrosis management and family support. If you or someone in your family has cystic fibrosis, don’t be afraid to seek all the help you can get. You don’t have to live with this disease alone. The more you learn about cystic fibrosis and how to manage it, the better off you will be.

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