Cystic fibrosis can lead to many health complications in infants and children. Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms and treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease of secretory glands that may affect the lungs, digestive system and other organs of your child. This is a lifelong condition that makes the child’s mucus, saliva, sweat and tears extremely sticky and thick, that it may clog the digestive system and lungs of the child. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, which is caused due to mutation or change in the genes or the DNA. The child gets a pair of genes from both the parents and these genes are the storehouse of instructions, for the manner in which our body will grow and work. Sometimes, the instructions change in the genes, and these gene changes get transferred from the parent to the child. These gene changes can cause health conditions and congenital disabilities in children.
If the gene change is transferred from a single parent, the baby is only the carrier of cystic fibrosis and does not have the condition, though the carrier may pass on the gene to their children. However, if the gene change is transferred from both the parents, then the baby is likely to have cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis runs in families, and thus the primary cause of this infection is a genetic disorder.
The signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis may not be same for all the children; however, they are noticed at an early age. Following are some of the symptoms of cystic fibrosis that you may notice in your child:
Test for cystic fibrosis can be carried out any age; however, most cases of CF are established soon after birth or within two years after birth. If cystic fibrosis is suspected, your doctor may prescribe genetic or sweat test. A sweat test is a rapid, painless and commonly used test to diagnose cystic fibrosis. The test involves triggering sweat glands by placing small disk (electrode) on the skin (usually arm). The sweat sample is collected to check the amount of chloride in it. High levels of chloride in sweat are indicative of cystic fibrosis.
Borderline level of chloride – High
Age | Normal level of chloride | level of chloride | |
KHigh chloride 6 months | >30 mmol/L | Within 30-59 mmol/L | 60mmol/L or higher |
kids more than 6 months | >40 mmol/L | Within 40-59 mmol/L | 60mmol/L or higher |
*mmol/L refers to the measure of concentration and the borderline level of chloride varies from case to case.
Apart from the sweat test, your doctor may recommend other tests such as chest x-ray, lung function tests, sinus x-ray and a sputum culture test.
Following are some of the complications that may result from cystic fibrosis:
Children affected with cystic fibrosis need ongoing care. The cure for CF varies from child to child and it majorly depends on the kind of problems that are caused by the genetic disorder, and how the child’s body is coping with it. The doctors recommend medication, nutritional and respiratory therapies along with other specialised care. Following treatments may be helpful to treat CF in children:
Though cystic fibrosis is most effectively treated in hospitals under proper medical supervision, some home remedial measures will help in managing the disease in a better way. Some of the home remedies that may be effective are:
Other things that you can do at home are, indulging your child in various activities and exercises to improve lung function. Keep your house dust and allergen free to prevent breathing problems. Make sure your child eats a healthy diet.
It is essential to seek medical assistance before giving any herb or home remedy to your child, as all herbs may not be suitable for all children.
Cystic fibrosis in infants and young children may cause breathing problems. If your child has breathing difficulties, following tips will help your child breathe more easily:
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease; however, life expectancy for babies diagnosed with cystic fibrosis has increased over the past few decades. Children who are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis may live up to 30, 40 or in some cases even 50 years.
Though cystic fibrosis cannot be cured completely, the various treatment options may help manage the symptoms of the disease. It is critical that you know about your child’s condition and various treatment options for the same. It is recommended to follow your doctor’s advice to avoid any complications strictly.