Complications Caused by Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a disease that has no known cure. It can have devastating complications if not treated. Common and frequent complications are respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic sinusitis. The passageways to the respiratory organs are dilated when you have these infections and can make it more difficult to clear the passageways. Asthma can develop from the chronic inflammation of the bronchial linings.

Respiratory infections are common because the mucus that is blocking the passageways also harbor bacteria. One bacterium that causes severe complications is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It causes increased inflammation in the respiratory system and although antibiotics can decrease attacks and lessen the severity it never leaves the airways and lungs. This same bacterium is found in healthy individuals but seldom causes infections. It is not considered contagious. The lungs can develop bleeding from the repeated infections and a patient may also have a lung collapse. A lung collapse happens when air leaks out of the lung's outer layer. Respiratory failure is a concern for cystic fibrosis patients. Lung complications may also cause heart failure in the lower right chamber of the heart. The severity and frequency of lung infections can be fatal in some cystic fibrosis patients.

Another major complication caused by cystic fibrosis is nutritional deficiencies. The disease will make some patients prone to diarrhea. The thick mucus caused by cystic fibrosis can block the pancreas ducts and prevent the body from getting the enzymes that digest fats and proteins. The mucus also prevents the body from absorbing the fat-soluble vitamins that are essential for the body.
The pancreas controls the level of sugar in the body and because cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas a patient may develop diabetes. The bile duct carries bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestines. If thick secretions block the bile duct it can lead to cirrhosis of the liver.

Thick masses of mucus can build up in the lungs and intestines causing malnutrition, slower than normal growth, chronic infections, problems with breathing and eventually lung damage. The cause of death of most cystic fibrosis patients is lung disease.
There are many other medical problems that cystic fibrosis can create. Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, heart enlargement, chronic cough and pneumothorax are additional severe problems cystic fibrosis can cause. Pneumothorax is caused when lung tissue ruptures and air gets trapped between the chest wall and the lung. Coughing up blood is another severe complication when the disease attacks the lungs.

Complications can occur in the intestinal tract also. A cystic fibrosis patient may experience intense stomach pain, excessive gas, bloating, and diarrhea or bowel obstruction. Other serious complications are rectal prolapse. That occurs when the patient has chronic diarrhea or a bowel obstruction. Gall bladder disease, pancreatic inflammation, liver and diabetes may also be severe complications of this incurable disease. Staying as healthy and fit as possible is one of the best treatments you do for yourself.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

This article has been made accessible by the author, Donald Jones. Should you require any further information regarding Buy Ginsengplease visit his Yellow Herbs resources

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated