Usually, when you see someone using oxygen therapy, what comes to your mind? Many people associate oxygen tanks and concentrators with someone who has a severe case of COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis), but this isn’t always the case. There is a stigma over those who need to use oxygen – “He/She smoked too many cigarettes and now needs to use oxygen therapy.” Even if they need to use it because they have COPD, people shouldn’t be so judgmental. There are several other reasons someone may be using an oxygen concentrator.
Cystic Fibrosis
Understanding Cystic Fibrosis – Symptoms and Treatment
Research indicates that children who are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis early have better outcomes. Soon after birth, babies in many countries including the United States and Canada will have a simple blood test done to screen for cystic fibrosis (CF) and other diseases. [1] Early screening, detection and diagnosis lead to better outcomes for children with CF. [1]
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which affects the lungs and digestive system—thick, sticky mucus is produced, impairing the function of the lungs and pancreas [2], an organ responsible for secreting enzymes responsible for proper digestion of food. Symptoms that arise from CF are due to this mucus.
What is Cystic Fibrosis? Understanding Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes abnormally thick, sticky mucus to develop in the lungs, pancreas and digestive tract. [1] In the lungs, this mucus clogs airways and causes inflammation, leading to scarring of the lung tissues—frequent infections lead to additional permanent lung damage. In the digestive system, mucus blocks ducts in the pancreas, impairing the release of enzymes required to effectively digest food.