Cystic fibrosis - pharmacological and surgical treatment

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Cystic fibrosis, due to its multi-organ effect, needs to be treated comprehensively and by several specialists. The therapy includes pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy, and the use of a well-arranged diet. Patients at an advanced stage of the disease undergo surgery, which involves the removal of infected pulmonary tissue.

Cystic fibrosis - what's the disease?

Cystic fibrosis, i.e. cystic fibrosis, is a systemic disease with a genetic background. The full symptoms of the disease include bronchitis and pneumonia, elevated concentration of chloride anions in sweat, pancreatic failure, and in the case of men - infertility. Cystic fibrosis leads to persistent and severe coughing. Patients experience serious breathing problems as a result of recurrent bronchial infections and bacterial growth, resulting in permanent damage to the lung tissue.

Pharmacological treatment of cystic fibrosis

The pharmacological treatment of cystic fibrosis in most patients is based on the administration of mucolytic drugs, which dilute mucus, making it easier to expectorate the remaining secretion in the lungs. Medicines are administered orally or in the form of inhalation. Antibiotics are also used in the treatment of cystic fibrosis, but they are selected after a test that assesses the susceptibility of the bacteria to each of them. In cases of severe bronchospasm, bronchodilators are administered ad hoc. In the treatment of cystic fibrosis such methods as oxygen therapy, pancreatic enzyme supplementation or administration of vitamin preparations supplementing the level of vitamin A, D, E or K are also used.

Cystic fibrosis and diet

An appropriate diet for cystic fibrosis is a key element in the treatment of the disease. Daily meals affect not only the course of the disease, but also the work of the entire respiratory system. In severe cases of illness, it is necessary to feed the patient by means of a probe or a gastrostomy, which involves placing a drain in the abdomen and feeding it to the patient. Most people who suffer from cystic fibrosis have an increased energy requirement as a result of putting effort into breathing or fighting infections. At low body weight, a diet rich in fat and protein is used. In patients with cystic fibrosis, it is also necessary to replenish the body's salt, which is lost most in hot weather or in diseases associated with fever.

Cystic fibrosis - treatment with physiotherapy

The main purpose of physiotherapy is to regularly dispose of residual secretions in the airways. Physiotherapeutic exercises are individually tailored to the patient and can be used, e.g. positioning drains and patching, which are supported by inhalation.

Cystic fibrosis - surgical treatment

In the advanced stage of cystic fibrosis, when cirrhosis of the lobe lobe or blood spitting occurs, the most common surgical procedure is to remove the infected element of the lungs. Patients also receive transplants that are a chance to save the life of the patient, but this is a complicated operation, and the problem is that there are still not enough donors.