Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited condition that impacts the lungs and other parts of the body, such as the digestive tract, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. The disease causes the glands responsible for producing mucus and sweat to malfunction, producing thick, sticky phlegm instead of the normal thin, slippery, watery mucus.
The mucus produced by the body’s glands often serves as a protective barrier, stopping infections and keeping certain parts of the body wet and lubricated. However, when a person has cystic fibrosis, thick mucus is produced instead of normal, thin mucus, which can block important passageways and lead to symptoms such as salty sweat and dehydration.
To prevent further health issues and properly manage the condition, it is essential to get information from trustworthy sources. Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong condition without a cure. However, treatment and management of the symptoms can help reduce their severity.
In the most severe cases, a lung transplant may be the only way to preserve lung function. Unfortunately, complications with the lungs are the primary cause of death for those with cystic fibrosis. Read on to learn more.
The Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis can affect different people in a variety of ways, with the severity of symptoms ranging from person to person. Some individuals may suffer from several serious symptoms at a high intensity, while others may have a few milder symptoms. Symptoms can also fluctuate, becoming more or less severe over time, or occur in cycles of episodes. Some of these are:
- Abdomen pain
- Chest pain
- Child development delay
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
-
Gastrointestinal symptoms
The pancreas produces a thick, glue-like substance that can clog its passageways and prevent the release of digestive enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for breaking down nutrients found in food and allowing them to be absorbed. When the mucus blocks the release of these enzymes, the body cannot absorb the essential nutrients it needs, leading to malnutrition. Some gastrointestinal symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Stool fat
-
Respiratory symptoms
A mucus is a thick substance that lines the airways in the lungs and can build up, making it difficult for air to pass through. This can cause breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues. This results in these symptoms:
- Bloody cough
- Breath shortness
- Cough
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Phlegm
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Sinus issues
- Wheezing
The Social Security Administration has a set of instructions (called the Blue Book) they use to decide if particular medical issues meet the criteria for disability benefits. Section 3 of the Blue Book deals with breathing system issues, and subsection 3.04 outlines the seriousness of cystic fibrosis that must be met.
Conclusion
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, life-threatening condition that can cause serious complications, including breathing difficulties and digestive problems. There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatments are available that can help manage the condition and improve quality of life. Although the prognosis for people with the illness varies, there have been significant advances in treatments over the past few decades that have greatly improved the outlook for those living with the disease.
For the best disability lawyer in Orlando, turn to Avard Law. We specialize in social security disability, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and more. Get help today!