Respiratory problems are common in the US, with conditions like COPD affecting about 7% of the population, and asthma affecting an additional 10%. Digestive conditions such as GERD, acid reflux, celiac disease, and IBS have negative effects on millions of people.
Genetic cystic fibrosis is unique as it can cause both respiratory and digestive problems. “We are a resident of the pulmonary medicine system at NYC Health + Hospitals,” said Dr. Ashwin Basavaraj, Systems Chief of Pulmonary Medicine.
This indicates what cystic fibrosis is, what causes it, and how it is usually treated after it is diagnosed.
What is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Disease?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a progressive genetic disorder that adversely affects the lungs, pancreas and other important organs in humans, and Michael Boyle, president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Bethesda, Maryland The doctor says. This disease affects the lungs by clogging the airways with thick, sticky mucus. This captures bacteria and other bacteria, and sometimes leads to inflammation, respiratory infections, and even respiratory failure.
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The accumulation of mucus in the pancreas prevents the release of digestive enzymes that help the body absorb food, leading to “greater digestive disorders, malnutrition and stunting growth,” says Basavaraj.
Other common symptoms of CF include cough attack (often having a ph), shortness of breath, greasy, bulky stool, rectal prolapse, and constipation. “People with CF are also susceptible to sinuses and respiratory infections, often requiring sustained use of antibiotics, leading to concerns about antibiotic resistance,” adds Boyle.
CF also affects the liver, sometimes causing liver disease, reproductive system, and “causing infertility in men.”
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What causes cystic fibrosis? Is cystic fibrosis genetic?
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a gene known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), says Basavaraj. He explains that these mutations ultimately cause imbalances in the body’s cells, water and salts, “the mucus becomes thick and sticky, making it difficult to remove the airways and other organs.” It’s.
In other words, people with CF are born with illness and inherit copies of this gene from each parent, Boyle says.
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How is cystic fibrosis treated?
There is no treatment for CF, but there are multiple treatment options. Basavaraj says such options include bronchodilators that support Open Airways. It thins out the mucus and helps to clean up the sticky substances. A radiofrequency chest wall vibration (HFCWO) device that helps to clean mucus from the lungs. Pancreatic enzymes that help digest and absorb nutrients.
Additionally, “There are currently five FDA-approved CFTR modulator oral therapies in the market that address the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis,” adds Boyle. These have been developed to be effective against specific mutations, and more modulator therapies are under development.
Despite the many benefits these treatments offer, “about 10% of individuals cannot benefit from modulators due to their ability to withstand genetic mutations or treatments,” says Boyle. For this reason, he said, “As many people living with CF are still waiting for a breakthrough, we are urgently pursuing efforts to ensure that treatments are available to them.” I say it.