Cystic fibrosis is a dangerous condition that causes severe lung damage and nutrition deficiencies. The inherited condition affects the mucus producing cells, sweat and digestive juices. This disorder is more common among the white people of northern Europe. During the past most of the people with this condition died in their teens. Today, there are various kinds of screening tests and improved treatments that help people with this disease to live longer. Nutrition plays an important role in managing and treating this condition. Certain lifestyle changes are also recommended in order to make life easier.
Diet
Nutrition is an essential factor that helps to control the disease. People suffering from this condition have to consume 20-50% more food than the normal amount consumed by a person of the same size and age. This is vital
for proper growth and health. The foods also help them to increase the body weight and fight infections especially during the exacerbation of lung disease.
Foods that are recommended should be rich in calories, fat, salt and sugar. They should also consume a lot of vegetables, fruits, fats and proteins to maintain their health. Both children and grownups lose their appetite when they are suffering from health problems. Maintaining good body weight is necessary for improving the overall health. Cholesterol does not pose a problem for such a person. More salt is required to replace the loss due to sweat.
Most of the people suffering from cystic fibrosis get dehydrated very quickly. In order to avoid such problems they have to drink a lot of fluids like sports drinks that are useful for sustaining energy. Drinking a lot of fluids also help you to cough out the mucus from your lungs. Salt tablets are also very useful and can be taken along with water. These people have difficulty in absorbing certain fat-soluble vitamins. So they have to supplement their diet with high-calorie nutrition, special fat-soluble vitamins and oral pancreatic enzymes.
Exercise
Regular exercise is very important because it helps to loosen the mucus in the airways. Exercises are also necessary for strengthening the heart and lungs. People with cystic fibrosis can participate in various sports activities as they help to improve their self esteem and confidence greatly. This means that you can simply do some exercises or activities that will keep you moving such as walking, biking etc. There is no need to enroll in a gym or participate in a competition.
Immunity
In addition to the other vaccines taken during childhood, the patients also need to take annual influenza vaccines and pneumococcal. Though cystic fibrosis does not affect the immunity, some children may develop certain complications when they are ill. So keep the immunizations of the patients up to date.
Eliminate smoke
Avoid exposure to smoke. Stop smoking and steer away from people who smoke. Both smoking and secondhand smoke can only aggravate the condition.
Family planning
Women suffering from cystic fibrosis are usually advised not to become pregnant. It would be more stressful and cause certain complications as well. However, people with good body and lung condition can enjoy a normal delivery. But they have to take the guidance from an expert professional or a cystic fibrosis specialist. Pregnant mothers can breast feed their children. Men with cystic fibrosis also have the capacity to produce children. The sperm however may not be able to reach the duct in certain cases due to the presence of blocks in the tubes.
Hand washing
Hand washing is one of the easiest and best means of preventing infection. It should be practiced by everyone in the family before and after eating, after using the toilet, after being with the person who is sick and even after coming back from school or office.
Following these simple measures you will be able to keep your condition under control and lead a healthy life. People suffering from this condition may also have some strong emotional changes such as anger and fear. They are however more common in teens. Talking about the feeling openly can greatly improve the condition. Such people can also take the help of a support group. Psychologists can also provide a lot of support to such people.
