Cystic Fibrosis Impact on Lungs
Introduction

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic and possible genetically inherited disease that affects lungs. It is characterized by buildup of thick and stick mucus that is had to cough out of the lungs. With the accumulation of the thick and sticky mucus, it can result to difficulty in breathing and can lead to other complications including lung infections, liver disease, and diabetes[endnoteRef:1]. CF has also been shown to cause digestive problems and ultimately malnutrition through interference with pancreatic functioning and preventing enzymes which are involved in the breaking down of food. In male, the thick mucus has also been attributed to infertility by blocking the vas deferens. This paper is a detailed presentation on CF and covers diagnosis, treatment, the point at which lung transplant is needed, and how medicine has changed over the years to adapt to children. [1: Cystic fibrosis. U.S. National Library of Medicine, U.S. gov. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cystic-fibrosis. Published January 21, 2020. Accessed January 24, 2020]

Diagnosis

Because CF is a genetic disorder, diagnosis can and should be done early, possibly at birth. Early diagnosis allows for early treatment and thus increases the chances for a better and healthier living later in life. The three tests that are common for diagnosis of CF are;

i. Blood test – this test involves checking of the immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) in blood. This test is relevant because persons with CF has abnormally high levels of IRT in their blood.

ii. DNA test – because CF is a genetic disorder, it means there is a gene anomaly, which can be detected through DNA testing. A DNA test therefore looks for the abnormal gene in the CFTR gene.

iii. Sweat test – this test determines the level of salt(chloride) in sweat and a higher than normal measure is an indication of the possibility of CF.

In addition to the above three, CF can also be diagnosed in an unborn child through prenatal diagnosis test. This test uses mutated CFTR genes, by testing a sample of amniotic fluid or tissue from the placenta. However, incase these tests indicate a positive test for CF, additional test has to be done once the baby is born.

Treatment

CF is a genetic disorder, therefore, there is not any known cure yet, however, there are medicines and other therapeutic procedures that are used to manage the symptoms.

Medicines

The main health problem associated with CF is the thick and sticky mucus and thus, the first line of action for doctors is to provide medicine that open airways by thinning this mucus[endnoteRef:2]. Subsequent, they provide medicine to prevent any possible infections and to help the body retrieve nutrients from food eaten. [2: Cystic Fibrosis, WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/children/what-is-cystic-fibrosis#2, December...…and experimentation involves an inhaled spray which contains copies of normal CF gene. These normal copies are delivered to the lungs for CF patients. About 100 CF patients have been shown positive response to this CF gene therapy treatment. Other novel treatment for kids include protein repair therapy – which repair defective CFTR, and a spice known as curcumin[endnoteRef:4]. [4: Livingston Jr. FR, Cystic Fibrosis. KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/cf.html?WT.ac=ctg April, 2014. Accessed January 24, 2020. ]

Conclusion

CF is a genetic disease that affects lungs. Diagnosis can be done through blood test, DNA test, sweat test, and through prenatal diagnosis test using amniotic fluid or tissues of the placenta. There is not any known cure for CF yet, however, medicines used to manage the disorder include; antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, mucus thinner, bronchodilators, CFTR modulators, and therapy. Other techniques used are for clearing airway include chest therapy and oscillator gadgets. In case the lungs of a CF patient are damaged to function effectively, then a single or double lung transplant is recommended, however, the decision for lung transplant, a single, or a double lung transplant should be made by the doctor. Over the years, evolution is medicine has allowed for CF children to live longer and more comfortable lives. Of these advances in medicine, the most important is the ability to diagnose early, even before birth, and thus commence treatment early.

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