How To Treat Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is best defined as a disorder which leads to severe damage to the lungs and nutritional deficiencies. It is a genetic condition which can be life threatening and involves the production of sticky and thick mucus secretions to the sufferers. This is because the cells which are responsible for the production of saliva, digestive juices and mucus are largely affected by the disorder.

In normal circumstances, mucus acts as a lubricant, but in this case it ends up blocking the passageways and airways in the pancreas and the lungs making breathing impossible. Those suffering from this disorder will usually have respiratory failure and might even require lung transplants and other forms of surgery in an effort to correct the complications.

What is the available treatment?

This disorder can be corrected through different treatments. Since it is associated with too much mucus, infection, malnutrition and decreased airflow among other symptoms which can arise from poor digestion, the treatments can vary. The most common forms of treatment for the disorder are bronchial airway drainage, exercise, bronchodilators, mucus thinning medications, antibiotics, oral enzymes as well as better nutrition.

How can a caregiver help?

If you are faced with the responsibility of taking care of someone suffering from Cystic Fibrosis, it is important that you keep the immunizations updated. They include vaccinations for pneumonia and influenza as suggested by the doctor. This is a simple way of keeping the infections at bay.

For children suffering from this disorder, removal of the mucus from the lungs might have to be done manually. This is usually through chest percussions involving manual clapping of the chest around the back and the front. It is easy to do as it involves holding the child's head downwards so that gravity plays its role in clearing the secretions from the lungs. In some instances, a mechanical or electric device might be used for the same. There is also the option of using an inflatable vest and vibrates at high frequencies to help the child cough out the secretions. The percussions might need to be done on a daily basis to improve the symptoms in children and infants. Therapists can show caregivers how to achieve this every day and achieve the best results.

Exercises are also important in relieving the symptoms since they help in loosening the mucus. As a result, coughing it out is made easy for both children and adults. The best thing about exercises is that they come with added advantages such as strengthening the heart and muscles helpful in breathing. You can choose exercises that are suitable and tolerable depending on the patient. This is because what an adult can do a child might not be able to do.

You should also maintain healthy, nutritious diet and choose vitamins and enzymes which make it easier for nutrients to be absorbed. You can also get medical equipment for the disorder to use for home care. The kit will have everything you need for a pleasant experience.