Alternative Health: Cystic Fibrosis Advancements
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Cystic fibrosis is a life threatening genetic disease that is caused by the presence of a mutated gene. Cystic fibrosis occurs when the body produces too much mucus in the lungs. The thick mucus can become trapped in the lungs, causing infections and inhibiting proper breathing. Many cystic fibrosis patients also develop excessive mucus in organs such as the pancreas. This can create various digestive problems. There have been several cystic fibrosis advancements over the past few years, however there still no cure for the disease.
The symptoms of cystic fibrosis are coughing, wheezing, weight loss, and salty tasting skin and difficult bowel movements. Over thirty thousand people in the United States suffer from cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is passed on through parents who carry the mutated gene that causes the disease. There are over ten million Americans unknowingly carrying the mutated gene. These carriers do not exhibit symptoms of cystic fibrosis. However, if a carrier has a child with another carrier, there is a 25 percent chance that their child will be born with the disease.
New Cystic Fibrosis Advancements
There have been many cystic fibrosis advancements over the past decade. New drugs have been developed to help improve the quality of life for those suffering from the disease. Scientists have also made strides in the field of genetic therapy. Genetic therapy may some day lead scientists to a cure for cystic fibrosis. Many adults suffering from the disease are put on antibiotics to reduce infection of the lungs. Other treatments include physical therapy for the chest to clear the mucus from the lungs.
Recent cystic fibrosis advancements show a link between the disease and an imbalance of fatty acids. This could mean that nutritional treatments may help to fight the disease. Scientists have also discovered that the use of a substance called curcumin, which comes from the spice turmeric, may help to improve symptoms.
Posted on: Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 12:58 pm 
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