Cystic Fibrosis on the Lungs
Many different parts of the body can be affected by a disease such as cystic fibrosis. The reason it is so far reaching is because cystic fibrosis is caused by a genetic mutation that makes glands throughout the body to function irregularly. This illness has very serious effects on the lungs and there are several problems that a sufferer must deal with. Cases of cystic fibrosis may be originally diagnosed after initial lung issues surface. Here are some specific symptoms and issues that directly affect the lungs due to cystic fibrosis.
1. Mucus – There will be large amounts of mucus buildup in the lungs if somebody is suffering from cystic fibrosis. Phlegm production will increase at alarming rates and this can cause inflammation of the lungs which could possibly lead to infection. The inflammation and infection may actually lead to negative changes within the lungs themselves, making it difficult for the patient to breathe at times. They will also be coughing very frequently and may have difficulty exercising.
2. Pneumonia – The mucus that is being created in the lungs all carry bacteria. When that bacteria filled mucus starts filling the lungs, pneumonia can develop. This development will cause a fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, adding to the previous systems. All of these symptoms together will generate severe discomfort and pain for sufferers of cystic fibrosis.
3. Hemoptysis – This occurs in patients after some time. Hemoptysis happens during cystic fibrosis when the mucus has been causing inflammation for a long period to the point where it makes the patient start to cough up blood.
4. Pulmonary hypertension – Hypertension is basically high blood pressure. This is something that frequently causes heart disease or heart attacks. When pulmonary hypertension develops in cystic fibrosis patients, there is a chance that heart failure may occur in the future.
5. Respiratory failure – After infection, inflammation, bleeding, and hypertension, the lungs can have difficulty operating normally. Cystic fibrosis patients that experience respiratory failure will have to be assisted when breathing, usually with an oxygen tank and breathing mask.
6. Polyps – When a sufferer of CF is experiencing chronic sinus infections, it can cause the skin inside the nasal cavities to grow uncontrollably. These growths are called polyps, and they can actually block the nasal cavity, causing further obstruction and even more difficulty breathing.
Cystic fibrosis is an awful disease and causes sufferers a lot of pain. Regimens of antibiotics are used to treat CF for lung disease, but sometimes lung transplants may be necessary. The effects listed here are strictly for the lungs, and there are many other body parts affected by CF, as mentioned before. This is a genetic disease, so there is no cure available. If found early, treatments are available to help manage this illness, so responding to symptoms is essential. Find out if you or somebody you know has the symptoms for CF.
