The Good News Surrounding Cystic Fibrosis
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Cystic fibrosis is a deadly genetic condition affecting about 30,000 children and adults in the United States, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. While cystic fibrosis continues to be a life-threatening genetic disorder, advances in scientific understanding of this condition continue to provide new hope for the people who suffer from this condition. Perhaps the best news about cystic fibrosis, also known as CF, is sufferers can still enjoy an active and fulfilling life.
The Good News about Medical Care for Cystic Fibrosis
Early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment can improve the lives and survival rates of people with cystic fibrosis. The advancement in treatment plans is great news for people with CF. Pancreatic enzymes can improve the absorption of fats and proteins, essential for maintaining proper weight. Doctors can prescribe powerful antibiotics to treat the lung and sinus infections that often plague people with cystic fibrosis, while flu and PPV vaccines reduce the risk for seasonal infections.
Bronchodilators open airways. DNase enzyme therapy, usually delivered as an aerosol spray, thins mucus to make it easier to cough up. According to Cleveland Clinic, studies show DNase reduces the severity of lung infections and slightly improved lung function after about six months of therapy.
The Good News Outside the Doctor’s Office
Men and women with CF can enjoy normal sex lives. While most men with the disease are infertile, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, modern fertility treatments may restore a man’s ability to reproduce. Women with cystic fibrosis can have healthy pregnancies and can even breastfeed their babies.
Good nutrition is essential for the health of both the mother and her child, as it is with every person with cystic fibrosis. Someone with this condition usually has to consume 20 to 50 percent more calories than everyone else to maintain his weight.
In the days before advanced modern technology and food preparation methods, people with cystic fibrosis struggled to find the delicious, high-calorie foods they needed to grow and put on weight. Today, widespread availability of effective nutritional supplements and fresh, nutritious foods contributes to the longevity and well-being of many who have cystic fibrosis.
Science and nutrition have greatly extended the lifespan of people with cystic fibrosis. Today, someone with CF may hope to live to age 37 — much, much longer than just three decades ago. The average lifespan, and the associated quality of life, will likely rise as medical science reveals more good news surrounding cystic fibrosis.