Cystic fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that typically appears in children and young adults. It is characterized by abnormally thick mucus production, which predisposes to recurrent, severe respiratory infections. Cystic fibrosis can affect lung and digestive system function. Chronic infection can lead to progressive lung damage and ultimately death.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by a defect in the CFTR gene located on chromosome 7. As a result, chloride ions and water do not, or only minimally, reach the glands, and the thick secretions produced cannot be properly cleared from the body. In other words, the disease involves abnormal secretion from exocrine glands.
Anyone can be a carrier of cystic fibrosis. Approximately one in 25 people carries some form of a cystic fibrosis mutation. Whether you are affected can be determined by a genetic test based on a blood sample. The disease is inherited in a recessive manner, which means that defective genes from both parents are required for the disease to manifest.
Most common symptoms of cystic fibrosis
Sinusitis, frequent pneumonia, tracheitis, and the presence of thick mucus in the airways and in exocrine glands.
Cystic fibrosis should also be considered in cases of chronic productive cough, salt-rich sweat, digestive complaints, male infertility, neonatal intestinal obstruction, and weight loss despite a good appetite.
A decade ago most affected children died in infancy, but today the expected lifespan of a person with cystic fibrosis can be 40 years or more.
Treatment of cystic fibrosis
Commonly used methods for treating the disease include: pancreatic enzyme supplements, multivitamin therapy, antibiotics administered by inhalation or intravenously, mucolytics, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatory drug treatment.
Salt therapy can be a complementary treatment for cystic fibrosis. The beneficial effect is due to the osmotic activity of salt. The inhaled microscopic salt particle lands on the mucus-coated walls of the airways, attracts water and thereby dissolves and liquefies the mucus, which then can be cleared more easily. Mucus plugs decrease, breathing becomes easier and the airways clear — reducing the risk of infection. The SaltDome salt therapy device is a suitable choice for this purpose.
Product recommendation: SaltDome salt therapy device
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