It is an inherited condition that affects cells responsible for producing mucus, sweat, or other secretions.
Cystic fibrosis affects almost all body systems, including the digestive and reproductive systems. It causes secretions to become thicker than normal. These secretions are not lubricants but can cause adverse effects and block the pathways to the lungs and pancreas.
Signs
The symptoms can vary from one patient to another; sometimes, the same patient will experience worsening or improvement. Because it affects all secretory cells of the body, its symptoms can be seen in different parts.
Symptoms of the respiratory system
Lung lubricant thicknesses higher than normal can cause breathing problems and other health issues, such as asthma.
- You can cough with thick mucus.
- You can hear your lungs squeezing
- Due to a restricted pathway, you may need to practice intolerance
- Stuffy and inflamed nose
- Sinusitis
Digestive system symptoms
Our digestive system produces different secretions, which contain enzymes and other ingredients for digestion. Secretions from the pancreas can block the pancreatic tube and small intestine, which can cause many complications.
- Diabetes
- Intestinal obstruction
- Pancreatic obstruction
- Constipation severe
- Bile can cause liver disease
- Foul-smelling, greasy stool
- Poor weight gain
Reproductive system symptoms
- Cystic fibrosis affects almost all males. The tube connecting the testes to the prostate gland is blocked or missing.
- Cystic fibrosis women are not infertile, but they have lower fertility than normal women. They can still conceive babies, but their symptoms may get worse.
Causes
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a mutation or defect in a single gene, the cystic fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). This gene controls the movement of salt into and out of cells. Cystic Fibrosis can be caused by a mutation in this gene
What can physical therapy do?
Cystic fibrosis patients need to undergo physical therapy to avoid secondary symptoms. Cystic fibrosis patients need to have regular sessions of chest therapy. This is necessary to clear up the mucus buildup and allow for breathing problems to be addressed. A physical therapist will also recommend a series of exercises that improve fitness, reduce the septum, prevent bone loss, and improve the function of the lungs and other organs.
Although physical therapy can’t cure cystic fibrosis as it is an inherited condition, it can reduce the symptoms and allow patients to live a healthy lifestyle.
