Cystic fibrosis affects many people in the United States. In fact, the US is one of the most impacted countries in our world. Even right now, there are about 70,000 individuals who are living with this illness all across the globe. Almost half of those people are living in the United States. Since this disease is so prevalent, it would be good to learn more about cystic fibrosis (CF) and how to treat it.

Defining Cystic Fibrosis

CF is a genetic disease; it’s inherited from parents who have it or are carriers of it. This disorder affects the lungs, causing them to be damaged and experience infections regularly. CF also damages the cells that are supposed to produce sweat, digestive juices, and mucus in the body. Those bodily fluids should be thin. But, when a person has cystic fibrosis, the fluids are thick. They should be slippery but are sticky instead. This causes them to block various passages within the body. They can clog up the airways within the lungs, which sometimes leads to those frequent infections people have when living with cystic fibrosis.

Signs and Symptoms of CF

When babies are born, medical personnel usually perform a scan to test the infants for cystic fibrosis. This testing allows people to know if the child has the disorder or not, before symptoms can even be seen.

Again, people who have CF usually suffer from frequent lung infections. But, it’s important to point out that symptoms and signs of this disorder will be different for everyone. The signs depend on how severe the disease is for people. The thickened, airway clogging bodily fluids can cause people to feel some of the following symptoms:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Inability to exercise
• Congestion
• Inflamed nasal passages
• Coughing up mucus

People who have CF can experience other symptoms, too. If the sticky fluids block the tubes that are supposed to carry digestive enzymes throughout the body, there could be:

• Constipation
• Blockage in the intestines (common in infants)
• Abnormal weight gain (i.e. babies might have a poor growth rate or weight gain)

If the mucus causes trouble in the pancreas, it can stop the body from taking in the nutrients it needs. This can cause issues with growth and weight. Men who have cystic fibrosis may be at risk for infertility. But there are certain procedures and treatments that may make it possible for males with CF to reproduce.

Treating Cystic Fibrosis

Thankfully, there are many treatment options for people who are living with cystic fibrosis. One method is called airway clearance technique (ACT). This method works to clear the airways of mucus. Procedures like this can decrease the number of lung infections a person experiences. It can also help the lungs to work better.

There are also prescription medications available. Some of these medicines work to treat lung infections. Others help to fix the root problem that’s causing the cystic fibrosis. Finally, for some people, another option is a lung transplant.

Talking About Cystic Fibrosis Treatment

If you have CF, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for you. Each kind of treatment offers its own advantages. Medical professionals will be able to identify the most effective way to treat the individuals in their care. Lifestyle changes, even if they are minor, will come with treatment. But, with the help of your doctor and by sticking to your care plan, you can live a fulfilling life!

Did your doctor prescribe a medication for you to take for your condition? If so, you may be concerned about paying for this medicine. It’s something a lot of people worry about. But Advocate My Meds is working to decrease the number of people who worry about the prices of their medication. We offer prescription assistance to people who need help paying for their medicine.

Don’t worry about how you’re going to pay for your prescription! Let Advocate My Meds do that part for you so you can focus on improving your health. Contact us today to find out what we can do for you.