Cystic fibrosis in young children: A dangerous inherited disease that parents should be aware of

Cystic fibrosis in young children is an inherited disease that can lead to many serious health complications. However, timely detection and treatment can help children have a healthy life and partly limit the complications of the disease.

Cystic fibrosis is a difficult disease that causes many dangerous complications, and even death. There is currently no cure for the disease completely, but there are ways to help children live with the disease.

Cystic fibrosis is what disease?

Cystic fibrosis is a lifelong genetic disease involving the secretory glands. This disease causes the body to increase the production of sweat and mucus, affecting the lungs, digestive system and other organs. Normally, the mucus in the lungs is just a very thin and quite smooth lining. However, if the child has cystic fibrosis, the mucus becomes abnormally thick and sticky, leading to a blockage of the digestive system and lungs. Cystic fibrosis in young children is a dangerous, potentially life-threatening genetic disorder.

The cause of cystic fibrosis in children

The cause of a child with cystic fibrosis is the inheritance of the cystic fibrosis gene from both parents. If the child only received one disease gene from the mother or father, the child only carries the germ, not the disease. However, if the child receives the genetic cystic fibrosis from both parents, he or she will get sick. Cystic fibrosis can be inherited in families. Therefore, the main cause of this disease is a genetic disorder.

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis in children

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis vary from child to child. However, for the most part, you can detect it when your baby is very young. Here are some common symptoms of cystic fibrosis:

Lung infection , difficulty breathing, wheezing, and persistent cough

Bowel obstruction due to meconium in a newborn

Baby skin and sweat taste salty

Slow to gain weight and height

Abnormal development of the nose or sinuses

Swelling of the rectum or prolapse of the rectum .

Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in young children?

Tests to diagnose cystic fibrosis can be done at any age, but most cystic fibrosis will be detected soon after birth or 2 years later. If you suspect that your child has cystic fibrosis, your doctor may recommend that you have your child perform genetic and sweat testing.

The sweat test is quite commonly used in determining cystic fibrosis. This is a simple, painless and quick test. The doctor will take a sample of the child's sweat and measure the amount of salt in the sweat. Sweat from people with cystic fibrosis often has a higher concentration of salt than usual.

In addition to the sweat test, your doctor may also recommend that you have your child have other tests such as  a lung X-ray, lung function test, a sinus X-ray, and a sputum test.

Complications of cystic fibrosis in young children

Here are some common complications of cystic fibrosis:

Pneumonia, sinusitis, or bronchitis

Causes respiratory damage, causing bronchiectasis, obstructing air circulation in the lungs

Causes lung tissue damage, leading to respiratory failure

The walls of the air ducts can become thin, leading to coughing up blood

Inflammation and swelling in the nasal mucosa, causing polyps

Increased risk of diabetes mellitus

The secretory ducts of the digestive enzymes of the pancreas are blocked, preventing the enzyme from reaching the small intestine, causing food to not be fully digested, causing lack of nutrition.

Bile ducts blockage, causing gallstones and liver problems

Causes osteoporosis.

Cystic fibrosis treatment in young children

Children with cystic fibrosis need constant care. The treatment for each child will vary depending on the cause of the genetic disorder and how the body copes with it. Your child's doctor will recommend medications, nutritional therapy, respiratory therapy, and other treatment options:

Medications: Your child's doctor may give your child antibiotics to fight infections caused by bacteria. The types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever, pain and swelling. Medicines that thin mucus and dilate the bronchi may also be used.

Digestive enzymes: Your child's doctor may give your child additional digestive enzymes and vitamins to help the body absorb nutrients.

Insulin: A  doctor can give your child insulin to regulate blood sugar if he or she has diabetes.

The right nutrition and supplements:  Your doctor will provide you with a suitable nutrition regimen to help your child develop normally. In addition, you may also be advised to give your child additional foods to cope with the illness.

Flu shot:  You should get your child vaccinated against the flu every year to help prevent complications that arise from cystic fibrosis.

Some home remedies for cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis should be treated in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor. However, there are a few things you can try to help ease your symptoms:

Give your child herbal teas such as psyllium, nettle, and red clover. Herbs will help increase the child's immunity.

Use fenugreek or peppermint in the diet to help improve digestive function.

Use herbs like burdock root to thin out the sebum.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. Use turmeric to treat pneumonia. You can add turmeric to foods or add to milk.

Papaya has antibacterial and anti-bacterial properties. Therefore, you can give your child a regular papaya.

Children drink green tea with a little honey and cinnamon to fight infections.

Do exercises at home with your child to improve lung function. Keep the home clean to avoid exposure to dust and allergens. More importantly, you should make sure your child has a nutritious diet.

You should consult your doctor before giving any herb to your child because not all herbs are suitable for children.

The secret to helping children breathe easier

Cystic fibrosis in young children can cause breathing problems. If your child has trouble breathing, there are several methods you can try to help your child breathe easier:

Use a humidifier indoors to increase the humidity of the air, as dry air can make it difficult for a child to breathe and cough up phlegm.

Do not smoke around children. Tobacco smoke can adversely affect a child's breathing and make coughing spells worse.

Use pillows to raise the baby's head while sleeping. The high head helps children breathe easier. However, with infants, pillows should not be used.

Ask your doctor to guide you through a few exercises to help your child breathe easily and remove mucus from the body.

Cystic fibrosis is a potentially life-threatening disease. However, over the past few decades, the life expectancy of children with cystic fibrosis has increased dramatically. Children with cystic fibrosis can live up to 30, 40 or even 50 years old.

Although cystic fibrosis cannot be completely cured, there are many treatments available to help control symptoms. It is important that you have a clear understanding of your child's condition and choose the best method for your baby. In addition, always follow your doctor's advice to avoid potentially dangerous complications.