Cystic fibrosis is a very serious disorder that is fatal if not treated properly. A defective gene causes thin body secretions, such as lung mucus, digestive juices, sweat and reproductive secretions, to become thick and sticky. Serious and life-threatening problems may arise due to this thickening. There is no permanent cure for cystic fibrosis yet, but symptomatic treatment is given.

When the lungs and airways are choked, the cystic fibrosis patient coughs and produces very thick sputum. He is short of breath and develops wheezing. Polyps may grow in the nasal passages. The frequency of sinus, chest infections, pneumonia and bronchitis increase.

As the digestive juices do not reach the intestine, due to blocked ducts from the pancreas and liver, the fats and protein are not digested. The stool is bulky, greasy and foul smelling. The cystic fibrosis patient may have excessive appetite but is undernourished and underweight, as the food is not digested properly for absorption. A trypsin test may indicate whether sufficient enzymes from the pancreas are available for digestion.

The sweat may taste salty. When we kiss a child with cystic fibrosis we can taste this excessive salt taste. To diagnose cystic fibrosis positively we measure this saltiness in sweat. Technicians coat an odorless chemical on a small area of the skin in the arm, and stimulate that area with electric current to produce copious sweat. This sweat should contain about 40 m mol/l in a normal person. Above 60 m mol/l of salt in a sweat test will confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. With cystic fibrosis patients the duct that connects the testes and vas deferens may get blocked. Most cystic fibrosis patients are sterile.

Treatment is mainly to ease the symptoms and lead a normal life in spite of the malady. Bronchodilators and mechanical vibrators keep the lungs and airways clear. Enzyme and vitamin supplements keep the digestive system near normal. With correct lifestyle management Americans are living to their 30s and 40s with cystic fibrosis.

By: Kent Pinkerton

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Omega 3 fatty acids particularly DHA and EPA are good for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including cystic fibrosis. Because of this reason omega 3 and cystic fibrosis are very much related to each other.

Omega 3 fats obtained from fish oil are required for the prevention of many diseases. The most prominent of these diseases is cardiovascular disease. These fats reduce inflammation throughout the body and also control high cholesterol levels in the body. They are excellent for the cure of high blood pressure, arthritis, prostatitis, and gallstones.

The connection between omega 3 and cystic fibrosis can be established by the fact that omega 3 fatty acids provide relief in nearly all kinds of inflammatory diseases. Omega 3 long-chain fatty acid known by the name of ALA is of particular interest in this context since it is primarily obtained from flax seed oil which is good for people of all ages.

The other rich source of omega 3 fats is fish oil. Since fish oil in its raw form is not easy to intake because of its bad taste, fish oil capsules are normally used by people who want to receive optimal levels of these fats on a daily basis.

It has been found that people who eat fish or seafood regularly are at reduced risk of developing coronary heart disease, breast and prostate cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Polyunsaturated fats obtained from fish also prevent and cure prolonged depression and anxiety.

It is advisable to consume at least 300 mg of DHA and EPA on a daily basis. A single fish oil capsule provides up to 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. You can consume 2 to 3 capsules every day, one after each meal to receive your daily required amount of these fats.

For maximum absorption of these nutrients by the bloodstream, try to take capsules after a gap of 4 to 5 hours. This will ensure proper absorption and will also keep a check on the balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fats in the body. The recommended ratio of these fats is three parts of omega 6 to one part of omega 3 fats.

Plant oils particularly hemp oil and olive oil provide excellent concentration of both types of fats. However, if you can digest fish oil then it is the best and most healthful source of omega 3 fats known to date.

By: John Collins

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My granddaughter has Cystic Fibrosis and is 15, she has very low lung function and had to be in the hospital recently because of a bad infection, she’s often been in the hospital. She’s going to be staying with me for a couple weeks, I will take care of her while my daughter goes on a trip she has to do. Is it ok to have cats around her? I got three cats recently. Is there anything else I should be particularly cautious/careful about while she’s here?

A local couple’s son is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. How early screening is helping them and their child overcome the disease.

I am doing a project on Cystic Fibrosis. It is a gene disorder and I cannot find who studied this disorder.

I need names of the scientists please.

A very close friend of mine died 12/25/2004 from Cystic Fibrosis and we are going on a walk to help raise money to find a cure and I have not got any donations yet and the walk is 4/29/2006 How can I get donations on-line?

Miley Cyrus takes time out before her concert in San Jose, Ca on 9/20 to meet Caley who lives with Cystic Fibrosis and gives her something to smile about.

what is the direct biological effect of cystic fibrosis?
also, the major symptoms, and who is and/or how many are effected by the disease.

My best friend has cystic fibrosis. He is currently 18 years old and he is very healthy. He eats like a machine and he is about 5 foot 8. He is a very fast runner he plays soccer daily and also run track. Even with this amount of exercise and nutrition is his life expectancy still only around 40 years?

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation created this informational video about the sweat test to inform parents about the procedure.