Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic disorder. It can be a combination of genes from the mother and father where both have half the gene or only one has the gene and the result is that the offspring takes half of the gene from mum and half from dad and this forms a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer. The disorder consists of an excess of thick mucus that creates a blockage in the lungs and pancreas. Cystic Fibrosis manifests early in young children and affects their respiratory tract and digestive system.
Symptoms that occur include breathlessness, wheezing, lung infections and inflamed nasal passages as well as intestinal blockages, constipation, an excess of salt in sweat and foul smelling stools. Also it can affect insulin and blood sugar control. Despite this it is possible, with a few precautions, to live a normal life.
There is no cure for Cystic Fibrosis but the medical profession treats the symptoms. There are a number of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, broncho dilators etc to help clear mucus. These also help treat or prevent lung infections, reduce swelling, open the airways and thin out mucus. Antibiotics are the main treatment to prevent or treat lung infections. These can be taken orally, inhaled, or if severe infection occurs given intravenously. Anti-inflammatory medicines reduce swelling in airways from infections and broncho dilators are given to open the airways by relaxing the muscles around them.
Exercise is a good way to break down mucus as it helps loosen it. Heavy breathing makes it easier to cough up the mucus plus exercise improves your overall physical condition. Cystic fibrosis can make your sweat very salty though which means your body loses large amounts of salt when you do sweat. To stop this doctors might recommend a high-salt diet or salt supplements to maintain the balance.
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Your doctor may tell you about physiotherapy exercises which consist of pounding your chest and back continually with your hands or a device can be used to loosen the mucus so you can cough it up. You lie down or sit with your head down to help force the mucus up. This can be uncomfortable for some people so there are devices to help out when in this posture.
Those with Cystic Fibrosis must also keep away from pollution such as smoke and dust because it will affect their breathing. It is important to realise that lifestyle changes are necessary and there are natural therapies which will help.
Omega 3 fish oil will help to improve your lungs, help manage flare ups in the respiratory system and assist with antibiotic consumption. It will help reduce inflammation. Saline solution, cayenne, garlic, hyssop, mullein and horehound will help clear mucus from the system. Saline also improves lung function. Herbs such as boswellia, ginger, cayenne, bromelain and peppermint will help lower inflammation. A yeast free/wheat free/lactose free diet will help as will other supplements that reduce inflammation in the body.
It becomes important to take supplements to help you fight infection if you have Cystic Fibrosis and good supplements for this are zinc, calcium and iron which can all be found in a good, natural multivitamin. Antioxidants are also important and a good digestive enzyme to help you absorb it all properly. Other lifestyle changes are good hygiene when around other people with illnesses such as colds or flu so it becomes important to wash your hands when in contact with them and to watch they do not sneeze or cough on you because Cystic Fibrosis weakens the immune system. Other ways of looking after your immune system is with a healthy diet specifically tailored for Cystic Fibrosis, lots of fluids to thin the mucus in lungs and intestines and plenty of supplements.
It can become a bit much having to follow all this but the end result is worth it as you have less flare ups of Cystic Fibrosis and learn to manage the illness more easily so that it does not interfere with your lifestyle as much and you are not ill like many people who are not following the recommendations. If you are having issues with Cystic Fibrosis talk to both your doctor and natural practitioner because between them they can help you fight this debilitating illness and help you gain a better quality of life.
