What is cystic fibrosis (CF)?
It is a genetic condition that affects more than 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It hampers the function of epithelial cells, which make sweat glands in the skin, and causes lung infections, which persists for a lifetime.
The people suffering from this condition have a constant lining of mucus in the lungs, which blocks the airways and traps bacteria, which further makes them vulnerable to several infections and respiratory problems.
Who is likely to get cystic fibrosis (CF)?
Every child, whose parents have cystic fibrosis or who are carriers of CF genes, has a 25% chance of having the disease. As per a latest report, approximately 12 million Americans, which breaks down to 1 in 20, carry the CF gene. The strange or rather worrisome part is that people do not even know that they are the carriers.
Is it contagious?
A person will not acquire CF from a person who has it, which means it is not contagious. But two people who have CF may be able to pass on different infections to each other, which is known as cross infection. Each person suffering from CF has a different bug in the lungs and by physically contacting the other patient, through touching or kissing or even sharing objects, the infection can be passed on from one person to the other.
How to take care of children who suffer from cystic fibrosis?
Fighting with CF can be a daily battle. The lifestyle of a child has to be scheduled in such a manner that he or she is able to perform daily activities while not missing any medications or medical procedures.
- To start with, a child regularly receives his or her breathing treatment through the vest, which is called high frequency chest wall oscillation. This loosens the chest cavity and thins the mucus.
- A regular intake of enzymes followed by a high-calorie breakfast is extremely important. The overall diet should consist of food items rich in salt and calories.
- Hygiene is as critical for a person suffering with CF as it would be for anyone. Also, it should be ensured that the child gets proper sleep.
- Regular physical activity is needed for some amount of time.
Who should get tested for cystic fibrosis and why should they be tested?The test is recommended to couples planning a child, or ladies who are already pregnant. With the help of the test, it may be determined if they are carriers of CF or not. If you have a family history, or someone who is a CF carrier, you should not delay in getting a test done, as you may be tested for 23 of the most common disease-causing mutations.
A report states that in every ethnic group there is a ratio of people who carry cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR):
- One in 29 Caucasian-Americans
- One in 90 Asian-Americans
- One in 65 Africans
- One in 46 Hispanic Americans
