Cystic fibrosis is believed to be a congenital disorder that induces serious damage to your lungs, digestive system, and other vital organs. Cystic fibrosis also has an effect on the cells that help in the production and secretion of fluids such as sweat, mucus, and digestive juices which are ideally thin and slimy in nature.
According to the best gastroenterologist in Gurgaon, however, people who have cystic fibrosis contract a genetic defect which causes these secretions to become thick and sticky.
Rather than producing the effect of a lubricant, the secretions lead to clogging of ducts, tubes, and passageways, particularly in your lungs and pancreas.
Complications
Respiratory system complications
Bronchiectasis or damaged airways
One of the most important causes that influence bronchiectasis, a condition that wreaks damage to the bronchial tubes or airways is cystic fibrosis.
The condition makes it difficult for moving air in and out of the lungs.
Also, it intercepts clearing the mucous from the airways.
Chronic infections
Thick, viscous mucus in the sinuses and lungs comes up with a perfect breeding ground meant for bacterial and fungal growth.
People having cystic fibrosis frequently come across bronchitis, pneumonia, or sinus infections.
Nasal polyps or growths in the nose
An ENT expert from the best hospital in Gurgaon says that because of cystic fibrosis, there’s inflammation and swelling on the inner wall of the nose.
Besides, the development of polyps which are soft, fleshy growths might also happen.
Hemoptysis or coughing up blood
With the passage of time, cystic fibrosis can lead to a tapering of the walls of the airways.
As a consequence, the likelihood of coughing up blood because of cystic fibrosis rises.
Pneumothorax
This is more commonly found in older people who are affected by cystic fibrosis.
In this condition, the air gets collected in the middle of the lungs and chest wall.
Pneumothorax can give rise to shortness of breath and chest pain.
Respiratory failure
Gradually, cystic fibrosis can lead to significant damage to the lung tissues.
As a result, the lung’s normal functioning worsens over time and eventually it becomes life-threatening.
Acute exacerbations
Spanning over a period of several days or weeks, people afflicted by cystic fibrosis might run into slow but sure deterioration of their respiratory framework characterized by constant coughing and a feeling of breathlessness.
This situation is known as acute exacerbation and calls for immediate medical intervention at a hospital.
Digestive system complications
Lack of nutrition
As per a digestive expert from the best hospital for gastroenterology, thick mucus caused because of cystic fibrosis can result in the blockage of the tubes which are responsible for carrying digestive enzymes from your pancreas to the intestine.
Deprived of these enzymes, your body is incapable of absorbing fats, proteins, or fat-soluble vitamins.
Diabetes
The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin which your body’s in want of to use sugar.
With cystic fibrosis, your risks to contract diabetes amplify.
Roughly 30 percent of people who have cystic fibrosis experience picking up diabetes by the time they attain the age of 30.
Clogged bile duct
The bile duct is the tube responsible for carrying bile from the gallbladder and liver to your small intestine.
A gastroenterologist in Gurgaon says that cystic fibrosis makes the bile duct choked up and inflamed which, in succession, causes liver problems and occasionally gallstones.
Intestinal obstruction
People with cystic fibrosis may also experience intestinal obstruction at any age.
Adults and children are very susceptible to developing intussusception, a condition wherein a segment of the intestine folds up on itself.
Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS)
DIOS is the formation of a partial or complete obstruction at the junction of the small and large intestine.
At Paras, a top hospital in Gurgaon, doctors having experience in a wide variety of specialties join forces as a multidisciplinary team in putting forward comprehensive, coordinated care. Pulmonologists who have expertise in treating several lung conditions work jointly with other medical professionals to provide the care you ask for.
