Final answer:
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited autosomal recessive disease causing thick mucus that clogs organs, treated with mucus-thinning drugs, oral enzymes, antibiotics, and therapies like vest therapy. Treatments manage symptoms and complications, with potential for lung transplant in severe cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cystic Fibrosis Treatment Overview
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a significant autosomal recessive genetic disease that leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus. This mucus clogs the respiratory and digestive systems, causing frequent lung infections and making it difficult to absorb nutrients from food. There is no direct cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This includes the use of mucus-thinning drugs, oral pancreatic enzymes to assist with digestion, and antibiotics to treat lung infections. To help clear the thick mucus from the lungs, physical therapy such as vest therapy is used to loosen the mucus, enabling patients to cough it up and clear their airways.
The malfunction is due to a mutation in the CFTR gene, resulting in defective proteins that impair the movement of chloride ions, thus affecting mucus viscosity. Advanced treatment options can extend the lifespan of individuals with CF to middle adulthood, but persistent vigilant care, including proactive antibiotic use and pulmonary rehabilitation, is crucial. Severe cases may entail a lung transplant if lung damage becomes too extensive.