Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disease that causes mucus in the body to become thick and sticky. This glue-like mucus builds up and causes problems in many of the body's organs, especially the lungs and the pancreas. People who have cystic fibrosis can have serious breathing problems and lung disease. They can also have problems with nutrition, digestion, growth, and development. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis and the disease generally gets worse over time.
In most cases, CF causes an early death. Average life expectancy is around 36.8 years according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Research for a Cure
Recent research has focused on treating the cause as well as the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Medical researchers are currently looking at gene transfer therapy, which tries to correct the result of the gene defect that causes cystic fibrosis. Gene transfer therapy involves introducing healthy genes into the lung cells of people who have cystic fibrosis.
Researchers are also investigating protein repair therapy, or protein assist therapy. This therapy involves taking medicines that help the defective protein work more normally to allow a small amount of salt and water to move out of cells.
Gene transfer and protein repair therapies are in the experimental, developmental stages; and clinical trials are being conducted.
Treatment
The cornerstones of management are proactive treatment of airway infection, and encouragement of good nutrition and an active lifestyle. The treatment for cystic fibrosis continues throughout a patient's life, and is aimed at maximizing organ function, and therefore quality of life. At best, current treatments delay the decline in organ function.
The most consistent aspect of therapy in cystic fibrosis is limiting and treating the lung damage caused by thick mucus and infection with the goal of maintaining quality of life. Intravenous, inhaled, and oral antibiotics are used to treat chronic and acute infections. Mechanical devices and inhalation medications are used to alter and clear the thickened mucus. These therapies, while effective, can be extremely time consuming to the patient.
Over the years, some research have indicated that people can gain health benefits by increasing their intake of antioxidants, either by eating more fruit and vegetables or by taking supplements.
Healthy, non-cystic fibrosis lungs appear to have more natural antioxidants than cystic fibrosis lungs. The lack of natural antioxidants is considered by researchers to be a possible factor in the inflammation and infection cycle in CF.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Boswellia
Boswellia is an herbal supplement that some people believe may be beneficial to people with cystic fibrosis.
Acupuncture For Chest Wall Pain
People with cystic fibrosis sometimes suffer from chest wall pain that is caused by the strain placed on muscles during coughing. Some studies have found acupuncture to be an effective, natural method of pain relief.
Lung Transplant
Sometimes, even with proper treatment, people with CF will experience lung failure. In these rare cases, lung transplant may be an option.
Probiotics and Cystic Fibrosis
Probitotics are friendly bacteria that are taken for health benefits.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are becoming increasingly popular and readily available.
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