Childhood Disease: Cystic Fibrosis

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Cystic Fibrosis “If you think that cystic fibrosis is (CF) is strictly a childhood disease, think again.” (cited Nursing 2007) Because of the scientific advances in research and improved clinical care 40% of the estimated 30,000 patients with CF in the United States are 18 or older. Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder among CAUCASIANS, as stated in our nutrition for health and health care book. The Mayo Clinic states that “Cystic Fibrosis occurs in about 1 out 3,000 live births. As mentioned early with all the improvements instead of dying in their teens, people with cystic fibrosis can now have a chance to live into their 50’s or even longer”. One of the first signs of cystic fibrosis is an excessively salty taste to…show more content…
Patients with hyperglycemia are very thirsty, have a dry mouth, and need to urinate often. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin. Only a small percentage of CF patients develop hyperglycemia, and if they do, it usually does not appear until their 20s or 30s. - Abdominal discomfort: The belly is usually swollen with gas and the patient feels abdominal discomfort. Here is how Cystic Fibrosis affects the different body systems and the signs and symptoms that accompany these. Hepatobiliary System: (the liver and the secretions from the liver) malfunctioning secretion/production can cause liver disease and gallstones, leading to pain and jaundice (yellowing of the skin) Liver disease (liver cirrhosis): complications include a fatty liver, which usually doesn't create problems except in infants; focal biliary fibrosis, which causes the liver to first enlarge and then shrink like a typical cirrhotic liver and is caused by blockage of the bile ducts, which leads to inflammation, leading to fibrosis; and then development of cholesterol gallstones. Sweat Gland…show more content…
The delays are usually due to nutritional deficits. Many men with cystic fibrosis are infertile because the tube that connects the testes and prostate gland (vas deferens) is either blocked with mucus or missing. Certain fertility treatments and surgical procedures sometimes do make it possible for men with cystic fibrosis to become fathers. Women with cystic fibrosis may be less fertile than other women though, about 20% of women with CF are infertile. The infertility is caused by chronic lung disease on the menstrual cycle, as well as thick cervical mucus that blocks the migration of sperm, although it is possible for them to conceive and to have successful pregnancies. Still, pregnancy can worsen the signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis, so be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor. Other complications: -Osteoporosis. People with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis, a dangerous thinning of bones. This may be linked to the body's inability to absorb vitamin D, which helps build strong

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