Imagine waking up from a long night’s sleep, and feeling a weight in your chest. A weight that feels like a brick where your lungs should be; your chest is tight and taking a full breath feels like you’re taking in air through a straw requiring all the energy you have. Imagine always having a cough that never seems to loosen up, and feels just as bad as it sounds. You tell yourself “Keep breathing, keep pushing for a deep breath, in and out”. You live with Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease defined by an abnormality in salt, mucus-making and water containing cells. This affects exocrine gland function, causing the body to make an excess of thick, viscous mucus and secretions in the lungs, pancreas and digestive system. Normally these secretions are thin and slippery, serving a protective and lubricating function. It is currently the most common chronic lung disease in children and young adults. The major manifestations of this disease specifically in the lungs consists of excess mucus production which clogs the airway and traps bacteria leading to infection, severe lung damage and eventual lung failure. The major manifestations of this disease specifically in the pancreas includes excess mucus production which prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down and metabolize food as well as absorbing vital nutrients. As Cystic Fibrosis progresses, a chronic cough can develop which also produces more viscous mucus, nasal congestion, sinus problems, wheezing, and asthma-like symptoms.
Even though Cystic fibrosis requires individualized continuous care, people who have this condition are still able to be employed, involved in school, and live a high quality of life.
http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=cystic-fibrosis-overview-90-P09526
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