Things people tend to be wrong about when thinking about Cystic Fibrosis.
1. Cystic's are NOT contagious! Some people are afraid they will catch the disease if they have contact with a sick CF patient, but it is impossible for a Cystic to give the disease to others. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that is inherited from both parents. However the fun twist about it is that we can be contagious to each other. Cystics carry different CF bugs that can be passed on from one CFer to another. Distance is always recommended for CF patients.
2. Patients with cystic fibrosis do live into adulthood. 50 years ago, Cystic's were labeled as an orphan disease and rarely lived past 4 years old. But today, depending on the severity of their disease, most patients live at least into their 30's and even into their 70's. According to the CFF, age of survival averages at 37 years old.
3. A Cystic needs to have many courses of antibiotics. Regular regimens of antibiotics improve the quality of life in patients with each Cystic.
4. Cystic's should not follow a low-fat diet. About 90 percent of Cystic's does not produce enough pancreatic enzymes, which makes them unable to digest food properly and can lead to malnutrition. As a result, we are unable to absorb all of the fat that they eat. Studies show that individuals who eat a normal-fat diet are better nourished than those who follow a low-fat one.
5. The future is bright for ALL Cystic's and their families. Thanks to new treatments, meds, technology, and more specialized care, scientists are constantly working on new therapies and drugs that will continue to prolong life and possibly lead to a cure!
Breathe Easy and know the Facts!
Sandi
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