Download Cystic Fibrosis - Patient Education

Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis causes your body to produce very thick and sticky mucus. This thick mucus in
your lungs can cause problems with breathing. The thick mucus also can affect your pancreas,
blocking enzymes that help you digest food. Cystic fibrosis also causes salts, sodium and
chloride, not to move through your body causing a build up.
Cause
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. This means that you inherited the genes for this disease
from your parents. About one in 31 Americans carry the gene for cystic fibrosis without
knowing it.
Symptoms
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Very salty-tasting skin
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Coughing, caused by the thick mucus
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Wheezing or squeaking sounds with breathing
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Lung infections caused by the lungs inability to get rid of the thick mucus
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Big appetitie but poor weight gain
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Bulky stools
Treatment
Cystic fibrosis treatment depends on the stage of the disease. Treatment will vary with which
organs are involved, but may include:
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Postural drainage and percussion to help get the mucus out of the lungs
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Antibiotics to treat and prevent lung infections
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An enriched diet with vitamin and enzyme replacement to help maintain body weight
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Medicines to thin the mucus
For some patients with cystic fibrosis, lung transplant may be an option for treatment.
© Copyright, (7/2001)
Department of Lung Transplant Services
The Ohio State University Medical Center
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