Drug Therapy for Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Cystic Fibrosis affects more than 30,000 children and young adults in the United States. It affects children by interrupting the work of the epithelial cells. These are cells that make up the sweat glands. They also line passageways inside the liver, pancreas, lungs, reproductive and digestive systems.
A child inherits the Cystic Fibrosis gene from a parent in the form of a defective protein called Cystic Fibrosis Conductance Regulator. If this protein is not effective, the epithelial cells are not able to regulate the way chloride passes by cell membranes. Chloride is found in ordinary table salt. When this happens it disrupts the balance between salt and water that is needed to maintain the lining in the lungs, the pancreas and other passageways in the body that connect to other parts of the body. These passageways are made of a normal coating of fluid and mucus. A child with Cystic Fibrosis will have that coating become thick, sticky, and hard to move. The Cystic Fibrosis gene is found on the number seven chromosomes, one of the 23 that make up our body's DNA

Cystic fibrosis patients should eat large amounts of foods that help reduce inflammation and mucus build up. You may be surprised what is recommended! Some of the more common items are garlic, onions, mustard, celery, and parsley. Some of the odd items it is recommended to eat includes horseradish, watercress, umeboshi plums, rose pits tea, lemon, pickles, and foods that contain anti-inflammatory oils. These are nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish.
Along with a healthy diet there are nutrient supplements that will help a patient with cystic fibrosis. These nutrient supplements can be found in a nutrition store or in your local drugstore. Patients having problems with their pancreas because of the disease should supplement their diet with pancreatic enzymes. There are supplements available to help protect the lungs. Antioxidants such as selenium, vitamin E, beta-carotene and vitamin C all are helpful in protecting the lungs. A supplement called N-acetyl cysteine will help reduce mucus. 200 mgs should be taken three times a day to be effective.

It takes a pair of Cystic Fibrosis genes for a child to show symptoms of having Cystic Fibrosis. If there is only one gene inherited, the child will be a carrier. They will not have CF symptoms but will pass the gene on to their children. It is estimated over twelve million Americans are Cystic Fibrosis carriers. If both parents are carriers, there is a one-in four chance their child will have the disease. Caucasians have the highest risk for contracting Cystic Fibrosis. Asian Americans have the lowest risk. It is estimated over 3,600 Caucasian babies will be born with Cystic Fibrosis in the United States this year.

If your doctor prescribes drug therapy for your symptoms of cystic fibrosis, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you are a parent responsible for an older child or teenager who is prescribed these drugs, ensure they are taking their medicine, as they should. Some teenagers will want to pretend they are normal and not want to take the medications they need before they eat or to help them breathe if they are with their friends. It will help them to talk to others who have faced the problem and be open and honest with their friends. Support is important for all cystic fibrosis patients, but especially for teens.

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