Cystic fibrosis is a disease inherited from parents wherein it affects many organs because of the glands that secretes mucus and sweat. This is only applicable to patients who inherited this disease from both parents who have defective fibrosis genes but the parents are not necessarily affected with the disease.

Mucus is an essential part of the linings in all tissues. it keeps the organ moist, slippery and has a watery substance. In the digestive system, it helps in the peristalsis. Once there is not enough mucus secretion, it will then dry it can cause infection and greater consequences to the problem. In patients with cystic fibrosis, the mucus secretions are thick and affect organs like pancreas, liver, intestine, the sex organs and sinuses.

Usually cystic fibrosis affects the digestive tract. the sticky mucus obstructs the digestive system causing the insulin, which is secreted in the pancreas cannot reach to the intestine in order for digestion to happen. with that, patients will be malnourished and other digestive problems. In newborn, babies will have me conium ileus wherein the intestine will be blocked right after birth.

At present, the other terms for cystic fibrosis is CF, cystic fibrosis of the pancreas, fibrocystic disease of the pancreas, mucoviscidosis, and many others.

Since cystic fibrosis is inherited, the CFTR gene is what causes the cystic fibrosis genes. This can be passed through the autosomal recessive pattern wherein both were copied from the parents in cell mutation. As a result, the patients then have clogged airways glands, because of the thick mucus secretions.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening problem but experts say that there is no exact timeline wherein the person will only live. But if the problem is not addressed and the symptoms are not noted, then the patient will now live long because of the poor nutrition. According to statistics, there are about 4000 children in the United States that are born with this problem. and 30, 000 them acquired the condition. This affects either male or female and Latinos or Native Americans are more prone to having this problem.

Picture 1: Cystic Fibrosis Inheritance PatternSource: Wikipedia

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. the specific gene if is the CFTR wherein it makes the protein control the salt and water’s movement in and out of the cells but in patient with this problem, protein cannot control salt and water making the mucus thick and the sweat coming out of the body to be salty.

This disease affects the respiratory system, digestive, and reproductive system mainly. with that, there are different signs and symptoms that should be watched out for.

Picture 2: Cystic Fibrosis ManifestationsSource: Wikipedia

Respiratory Area

Infection in connection with the respiratory system is common in patients with cystic fibrosis. the mucus buildup is thick and it interfere the airway passage. thus, the patient coughs and tried to expectorate to remove the mucus. sometimes, hemoptysis can be seen when the patient tries to spit. aside from that, the patient also suffers from hardcore respiratory problem like Pseudomonas which cannot be treated with standard and ordinary antibiotics. Complications like pneumothorax, bronchiectasis should be expected when the patient has problems likes bronchitis or pneumonia.

Reproductive Area

For a woman who has cystic fibrosis, they may be risk for impotency or they have difficulty in getting pregnant. with men on the other hand, they are infertile impotent because they don’t have any vas deferens which is responsible for delivering the sperm from the testis to the penis in preparation for conception.Digestive Tract Area

The digestive system is the most common area which is affected by the problem. Since insulin cannot be transported to the intestine, digestion is not complete. thus, diarrhea can happen and foul-smelling, grease looking stool can be observed. Stomach pain is also another sign and symptom to watch out as a result to gas or constipation.

Since children are the most affected patients, there is a marked poor growth and no or less weight gain. the necessary fats and protein cannot be absorbed to the body.

Complications like pancreatisis, rectal prolapse or the moving out of rectum because of diarrhea and/or frequent coughing, certain liver diseases, gall stones and diabetes can occur.

Other signs and symptoms

Dehydration can happen since when a person sweats, it becomes too salty. the body then loses a huge amount of sodium which is an essential electrolyte. Clubbing of fingers can also be seen because of the decrease in oxygen supply to the extremities. Low bone density which causes osteoporosis is also observed in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is one of the diseases to be checked in the newborn screening test. before any treatment, diagnostic exams should be checked in order to have a definitive diagnosis of the problem. aside from the newborn screening test, the patient is also checked for sweat test. here, while the patient is sweating, a patch will be rubbed into the skin wherein an electrode may be used for a mild electrical current. after the sample is taken, this is then analyzed but for the diagnosis to be confirmed, this is almost always done twice.

Even before the baby is born, prenatal testing and even checking for cystic fibrosis carrier can also be done. Amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling will be taken. a needed for amniocentesis will be inserted into the abnomnal wall going through the uterus. then, a small amount of fluid from the amniotic sac will be taken. In the cystic fibrosis carrier testing, the parents will then be examined if their genes have defective CFTR and once affirmative, pregnancy planning as well as measures to be avoided will be discussed by the doctor.

Unfortunately, cystic fibrosis has no treatment. But to avoid further complications, health care professionals are controlling lung infections, prevent the blockage of mucus in the intestines, help attain the optimum nutrition a child needs and even loosen and effectively removed sticky mucus in the lungs or airways.

Medications may be given but it does not cure the problem. it helps in avoiding and treating infections like respiratory problems. with that, antibiotics will be given as well as anti-inflammatory drugs, mucus-thinning medications and even broncodilators. for those with Pseudomonas infection, higher antibiotic drugs may be given.

The role of the dietician is to help patients achieve optimum health. So when a patient has cystic fibrosis, usually the diet is a high-calorie, high fat diet for the patient has a normal growth and development. Extra nutrients should be given in compensation for the malabsorption of nutrients in the body. Along with that, water is essential in the diet because patients are prone to dehydration because of salty sweat. However, as the person grows older, high in sugar foods should be avoided because cystic fibrosis can lead to diabetes.

Food supplements like those high in vitamins and minerals should be given because the minerals are not absorbed properly. these can be vitamins a, D, E, K which are known as the fat-soluble vitamins. Also, food supplements with minerals like calcium, iron, sodium and others should also be taken by the patient. a pancreatic enzyme supplement should also be given with meals and snacks to help the digestion of food.

References

ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cystic-fibrosis

cff.org/LivingWithCF/StayingHealthy/

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cysticfibrosis.html

medicinenet.com/cystic_fibrosis/article.htm#tocb

Also Read:

• CF patients need more vitamin D than current recommendation
• Mouth Herpes – Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment
• Broken Toe – Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Pictures
• Vaginal Herpes – Pictures, Symptoms and Treatment
• Left Side Abdominal Pain – causes, Symptoms and Treatment

We’ll send you more information about what is Cystic Fibrosis? Its causes, Symptoms, Pictures and Treatment to your Inbox…

by Admin on 14. Jan, 2011 in Diseases and Conditions

By tgon1563 on December 29, 2010 Under Herpes Information

Immediately after a initial infection of genital herpes seems to have passed, the signs and symptoms would have departed, yet the virus will certainly certainly within the body. it is likely that this hsv will be triggered every so often, traveling via your nerve to the skin, producing continuing infections. when you have a recurrent breakout regarding herpes, the symptoms can sometimes include, a prickling or perhaps burning sensation round the sex organs just before your blisters surface.this might indicate the actual start of a repeated herpes outbreak, unpleasant reddish colored vesicles, that soon burst open to leave scabing on your exterior genital area, anus, lower limbs, and also buttocks, along with blisters and ulceration about the cervix.Question by Jen Meehan: HPV or Herpes – unsure?I have recently been diagnosed with Genital Warts (HPV) and in using Aldara cream as treatment the affected area was extremely itchy to the point that it got a type of sore arising, thus I discontinued use (thankfully the warts were gone by this point). The area is still red and looks like a rash from itching, if this makes sense, but now I am worried that this may have been caused by me having Herpes rather than just syptoms from Aldara from my HPV infection. I also have pimple like bumps on my upper thighs from time to time and have seen this can be a symptom of either herpes or HPV, anyone that could help me would be much appreciated

Best answer:

Answer by k10155You should ask your doctor. Treating herpes is simple, usually it consists of a chemical named Acyclovir. your doctor is the only one who will be able to diagnose you

What do you think? answer below!

Herpes Symptoms

When a individual is been infected with herpes, signs and symptoms never start up straight away. in this incubation phase, everyone may feel absolutely ok. yet, about fourteen days subsequent to being afflicted, characteristics and symptoms will likely commence. when discomforts do happen, it is referred to as identified as an outbreak a herpes outbreak.not everyone that has herpes will have an initial outbreak. The reality is, it is common for the people to get very little symptoms during the primary infection, nonetheless they can continue to pass on herpes!

Trusted Herpes Treatments

Early Herpes Symptoms

An individual that really does produce initial symptoms connected with herpes may possibly have a multitude of indicators. well known early indicators normally include:

* an itchiness as well as stinging feeling in the penile or anal area* Flu-like signs and symptoms, such as temperature, pain, an over-all ill experience plus body aches* Puffy glands* Pain in your thighs, backside, or maybe genitals and surrounding areas * Urethral release* Feeling of pressure in the area underneath the stomach* Pain or irritation whilst peeing* Bowel irregularity or issues peeing.

For some folks, all these signs could be gentle. for some, preliminary signs and symptoms may well often be pretty severe.it is sometimes of great benefit to check out genital herpes pictures just before visiting a medical doctor as usually one can find out that the symptoms are simply a rash of some type.

Tags: Herpes Information

Comments