This will probably be my penultimate CF post, and it mainly concerns the most common, traditional treatments of cystic fibrosis.
As mentioned in my previous CF post, the symptom that has the most impact is the accumulation of sticky, thick mucus in passageways in the body. This can be particularly problematic in the lungs and respiratory system. In order to help prevent mucus from blocking the airways, chest physiotherapy is commonly used, of which there are a wide variety of techniques; the technique used, the length and frequency of the treatment and the amount of mucus removed varies between patients, and can alter with age. Physiotherapy sessions can last anywhere between 10 minutes and an hour, depending on the severity of the mucus accumulation (chest infections can also increase the treatment time), and need to be administered up to 4 times a day, depending on the patient.
Medication can clear or control infections which affect the lungs and digestive tract. Drugs can either be inhaled using a nebuliser, taken orally, or injected intravenously. Bronchodilator drugs work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, opening them to relive tightness and shortness of breath. Antibiotics help to fight infections, steroids reduce inflammation and DNase breaks down the mucus, which makes it easier to clear.
The symptoms and secondary symptoms of CF can be alleviated by paying close attention to diet and nutrition, and taking regular exercise. Exercise prevents deterioration of the lungs, and improves strength. Because mucus can block the pancreatic duct, digestive enzymes can build up in the pancreas and it can be hard for CF sufferers to digest food. Enzyme pills and nutritional supplements can help to circumvent this problem, and the maintenance of the good body weight can help to fight chest infections.
In my final CF post, I'll be discussing the future of cystic fibrosis treatment, and the CF Trust Gene Therapy Appeal.
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