Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects the digestive and, more importantly, the respiratory system. The damage is caused due to the build-up of sticky and thick mucus in several organs. The organs that are most affected by this condition are the liver, lungs, pancreas, and intestines. There are over 1000 people that are diagnosed with this condition in the country every year. While it is essential to get the right treatment, those with this condition can continue with their normal life.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?
This is a condition in which the body produces excessive mucus, digestive, and sweat enzymes. The fluids that are normally secreted from the body are smooth and thin. Their function is to lubricate the organs and ensure that they do not become infected or dry. However, when it thickens, the ducts, passageways, and tubes are clogged. This can eventually lead to more serious infections, malnutrition, or tubes. It is vital that you get cystic fibrosis treatment condition right away. Early diagnosis is very important to retain the quality of life and increase the life duration.

What are the Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis?
The symptoms exhibited by those who have this condition vary for each person and the extent of the disease. The symptoms in a few may appear at infancy or in some even after puberty. As time goes by, the symptoms may get worse or better. One of the initial signs that a person has cystic fibrosis is the strong salty taste on the skin. Parents with this condition generally claim to find that their children have the same condition through touch. Other ways of identifying the condition are the complications it brings about in the liver, pancreas, lungs, and glandular organs.

• Respiratory Problems
  Sticky and thick mucus often blocks the airway to the lungs bringing out several other symptoms. These include wheezing, shortness of breath, severe cough, stuffy nose, and lung infections.
• Digestive Problems
  The mucus also affects the enzymes that are produced by the pancreas. A lack of these enzymes prevents the nutrition from getting absorbed. This results in constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, and delayed growth in kids.

What are the Causes of Cystic Fibrosis?
This condition arises as a result of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The gene regulates the movement of salt and water in the cells of your body. A change in the gene causes sticker and thicker mucus. This, in turn, builds up in the other organs. Cystic fibrosis also leads to an increase of salt content in the sweat. There are several defects that can lead to a damaged CFTR. This is a gene that is passed on from the parent. If the child inherits only one copy of the gene, they may not develop the disease. However, the gene will still be present in their own kids.

Who is at Risk of Cystic Fibrosis?
This is a condition that is most common among those of northern European descent. However, instances of this disease in other groups have also been noticed. Those with a family history of the condition are most likely to inherit the same disorder. It is best to seek cystic fibrosis treatment at the initial stages.

What are the Available Cystic Fibrosis Treatments?
There is no cure for the condition, but the treatments can help reduce the complications and the symptoms. Medications like antibiotics, mucus thinners, bowel surgery, NSAIDs and probably a lung transplant can help treat this condition. Surgical procedures like chest physical therapy can help loosen the mucus in the lungs. This can help with the coughing. Home care is essential to lead a normal life. Have plenty of water and consume healthy foods. Regular exercise is mandatory to loosen the mucus in the airway. Regions that have more pollen, smoke or even mold must be avoided. Regularly checking up with your doctor can help with the cystic fibrosis treatment.